Swimming-related Fatalities Occur off Cape Hatteras National Seashore Beaches

On Thursday, July 21, off Ocracoke Island, a 67-year-old male was swimming with a younger male when both were swept away in a rip current near Ramp 70 and the airport. The younger male was able to swim to safety, then called 911. Ocracoke EMS, Ocracoke Fire, Hyde County Sheriff Officers, Surf Rescue Lifeguards, and NPS Rangers responded and performed CPR. However, the 67 year old man did not survive.

The second fatal event occurred this afternoon. Dare Central was notified at 3:24 pm of a male caught in a rip current off of Sailfish Drive in Frisco. Hatteras Island Rescue, Dare County EMS, Dare County Sheriff's Officers, and NPS Rangers arrived on scene, and unsuccessful resuscitation efforts on the 71-year-old male were performed.

“We are saddened by these tragic events, and our hearts go out to the families and friends of the victims,” said Outer Banks Group Superintendent David Hallac.

These two extremely unfortunate events serve as critical reminders that if you find yourself caught in a rip current, don’t swim against the current. Instead, remain calm and swim across the current, parallel to the shore, slowly working your way back to the beach at an angle. Signal for help if you need it.