The National Park Service will implement the annual seasonal closures of village beaches to off-road vehicle (ORV) use within the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, beginning at 6 a.m. on Saturday, May 15. 

In addition, the beach driving speed limit is reduced from 25 mph to 15 mph in all locations open to ORV use, unless otherwise posted, from May 15 – Sept. 15. 

The ORV closures are established in village beach areas that receive heavy pedestrian use, including areas adjacent to Coquina Beach and the villages of Hatteras and Ocracoke islands. 

“These closures provide for the safety of all beach users and minimize user conflicts in congested areas during the busy summer season,” said Superintendent Mike Murray.

The seasonally closed areas are identified by signs at both ends of the area and on maps available for viewing at the offices of the superintendent, each District Ranger Station, at each Visitor Center and at all other public contact stations. 

High numbers of visitors and village residents often enjoy these areas by swimming, sunbathing, walking, shell hunting, and engaging in family activities.

To ensure a safe visit for everyone, visitors are reminded to keep dogs on leashes and pack in/pack out all trash.  Swimmers should be aware of rough surf conditions and the potential for rip currents.  Fireworks are not permitted on National Seashore beaches. 

The ORV closures apply to the following areas:
•    Bodie Island, Ramp 1 to 0.1 of a mile south of Ramp 2 (Coquina Beach).
•    Hatteras Island beach areas fronting the villages of Rodanthe, Waves, Salvo and Avon.
•    Hatteras Island beach from the north boundary of Buxton to 0.4 of a mile north of Ramp 43.
•    Hatteras Island beaches fronting the villages of Frisco and Hatteras.
•    Ocracoke Island beach from 1.0 south of Ramp 59 to 1.4 miles north of Ramp 67. 
•    Ocracoke Island beach from 0.6 of a mile south of Ramp 67 to Ramp 68 (Campground).
•    Ocracoke Island, beach from  0.6 of a mile south of Ramp 68 to 0.4 of a mile north of Ramp 70 (Day Use Area).

For more information on beach access, see the weekly Beach Access Reports or Google Earth map posted on the Seashore’s website at:
http://www.nps.gov/caha/planyourvisit/off-road-vehicle-use.htm