Beach
Access and
Park Issues
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May
25, 2011
Park Services lifeguarded beaches
open May
28 through Labor Day
Cape
Hatteras National Seashore’s lifeguarded beaches will open on Saturday,
May 28, for the 2011 season. Lifeguard services will be
available
at Coquina Beach (Nags Head), Buxton Beach (Buxton), and Ocracoke Beach
Day Use Area from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. six days a week from Memorial
Day through Labor Day.
Until additional lifeguard personnel are hired, services will not be
offered on Tuesdays. It is anticipated that seven-day week
services will be offered within two to three weeks --upon completion of
hiring.
Before going to the beach, please check with local weather sources for
updated surf and current conditions. Planning your visit to
Cape
Hatteras National Seashore will enhance your enjoyment and
comfort. Having an accident will spoil any
vacation. For
your safety, please observe all weather service and lifeguard
advisories and consider the following information:
SWIMMING
The ocean is constantly changing and even on calm days tidal
currents can be overwhelming to some swimmers. Know your
swimming
ability, understand the hazards and stay within your limits.
Never leave your children unattended when they are in or near the water.
CURRENTS
- Seaward
or “rip” currents are currents that move away from the shore.
If
caught in a seaward current, stay calm, float and wave for
assistance. Calmly swim parallel to the shoreline until out
of
the current and then swim to shore.
- Save
your strength for your own rescue. If you cannot reach shore,
stay calm, float on your back, and control your breathing.
Call
for help and raise one arm up out of the water to signal help.
SURF
- Waves
are generated by wind and change from day to day. However,
all
waves deserve respect.
- To
escape the waves’ force, duck under or retreat from breaking waves.
- Do
not swim in hazardous surf.
- If
boogie-boarding or body surfing, ride waves parallel to the shoreline
to help prevent direct head and neck contact with the ocean floor.
SEA
LIFE
Use caution to avoid jellyfish and stingrays. If stung by a
jellyfish, do not touch irritated skin or wash with fresh
water.
Rather, rinse the affected area with salt water and apply
vinegar. Shuffle your feet lightly while wading to avoid
stepping
on stingrays.
LIGHTNING
and THUNDER
If you can see lightning or hear thunder, you are within striking
distance. Seek safe shelter immediately!
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