Cape Hatteras National Seashore launches new webpage on beach hole safety
The Cape Hatteras National Seashore (CHNS) has launched a new webpage about beach hole safety, which is now live at https://www.nps.gov/caha/planyourvisit/beach-hole-safety.htm.
“It is hard to imagine going to a beach and not playing in the sand,” states the CHNS. “However, recent trends in digging deep holes and abandoning them have started to negatively impact nature and visitor safety.”
Leaving holes behind on the beach can be dangerous for a number of reasons. There have been past incidents of people falling into holes and becoming trapped, including a May 2023 tragedy that occurred in Frisco. In addition, vehicles can easily get stuck in giant holes, which includes local rescuers responding to emergencies.
Big holes can also be hazardous to the local wildlife, and particularly sea turtles who arrive on area beaches throughout the summer to lay their eggs.
With this in mind, the CHNS’ new webpage offers the following tips:
- Avoid digging deep holes in the beach.
- If you dig a hole in the beach, fill it in before leaving the beach.
- Do not dig holes deeper than your knees when standing in them.
- If you see an abandoned beach hole, consider filling it in.
Read more about beach and ocean safety, including daily rip current forecasts, at https://www.lovethebeachrespecttheocean.com/.
