NPS lifeguarded beaches will be open May 23-Sept. 7

The National Park Service’s lifeguarded beach in the Cape Hatteras National Seashore will open Saturday, May 23, and remain open through Labor Day, Sept. 7.

The Park Service operates three beaches with lifeguards on the seashore — Coquina Beach in South Nags Head, Buxton Beach near the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse in Buxton, and Ocracoke Beach on Ocracoke Island at the Day Use Area. The lifeguarded beaches will be staffed 7 days a week, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

 “The lifeguard beaches provide a key visitor use service to the visiting public in Cape Hatteras National Seashore,” stated seashore Superintendent David Hallac.  “Many family memories reflect on the great service these dedicated individuals provide to ensure a safe and enjoyable day at the beach.  Park visitors are here to relax and enjoy the beach and the guarded beaches are great places to have that added protection.”

Lifeguards provide a variety of important service to park visitors from cautioning swimmers about rip currents to providing rescue to swimmers and administering first aid for minor injuries.  They monitor swimming activities in the protected areas, provide assistance to beach-goers, engage the public in conversations about the beach environment and advise of hazards such as rip currents, over exposure to the sun, jellyfish stings, and staying hydrated in the summer sun and heat by drinking plenty of water.

For more information on swimming safety and rip currents, see
http://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/ripcurrent.html