Cape Hatteras National Seashore Urges Visitors to Swim at Lifeguard Beaches and Signal Up for Swimming Safety Alerts

News Release Date: May 19, 2026

Contact: CAHA Public Affairs, 252-475-9032

MANTEO, N.C. — Cape Hatteras National Seashore is happy to announce the areas of its 5 lifeguarded seashores and supply suggestions to assist summer season guests keep secure out and in of the ocean.

Lifeguarded Beaches
Lifeguarded seashores are the most secure locations to swim on the Seashore. There are 5 seaside areas staffed with lifeguards from Memorial Day weekend by way of Labor Day (9 a.m. to five p.m.). The areas of the 5 lifeguarded seashores are:

Visitors ought to join Dare County’s swimming security alerts and swim at any of the Seashore’s 5 lifeguarded seashores.

Safety Alerts
Seashore guests can join ocean and seaside situation alerts from Outer Banks lifeguards, ocean rescue businesses and the National Weather Service by texting OBXBeachCircumstances to 77295. Alerts cowl circumstances in each Dare and Hyde counties.

Love The Beach, Respect the Ocean Website
Another useful instrument for planning a secure go to to the seaside is Dare County’s Love the Beach, Respect the Ocean website. Whether you might be planning a go to to a Seashore seaside in Dare County or Hyde County’s Ocracoke Island, www.lovethebeachrespecttheocean.com is an internet vacation spot for studying the each day rip present danger, seaside circumstances and extra. The web site additionally consists of many doubtlessly life-saving movies that includes native lifeguards and Outer Banks residents.

Ocean and Beach Safety Tips

• Swim at seashores patrolled by lifeguards.

• Bring one thing within the water with you that floats.

• Swimming within the Atlantic Ocean isn’t the identical as swimming in a pool or a lake. Ocean swimming could be very bodily taxing and will exacerbate underlying medical points.

• An ideal day on the seaside doesn’t at all times imply that it’s an ideal day within the ocean. If doubtful, don’t exit.

• Never swim alone. Swim with a buddy and have grownup supervision for all kids. Have somebody on shore regulate you when you swim, surf or wade.

• Be conscious that the ocean presents extra hazards, similar to lightning, excessive surf and shore break. Learn extra at www.lovethebeachrespectheocean.com.

• Avoid carrying shiny objects which will entice sharks and different fish.

• Avoid swimming the place hazard is current: in tough seas; inlets; round fishing piers and surfers, at evening or throughout thunderstorms.