Hatteras Island’s two water rescue squads – the Chicamacomico Banks Water Rescue team and the Hatteras Island Rescue Squad (HIRS) – are officially starting their seasonal beach patrols over Memorial Day Weekend, with Chicamacomico Banks launching Saturday, and HIRS beginning daily patrols on Monday.
Both non-profit organizations are familiar sights on the shoreline in the summer months, and the two organizations perform hundreds of water rescues every year, in addition to other services, such as responding to out-of-the-water emergencies.
Although training is ongoing for both teams, HIRS wrapped up its intensive pre-season training last week, where members conducted rescue scenarios, practiced jet ski operations, and performed other emergency tasks that are an inherent part of the job.
“We have approximately 25 [team members] on the roster this year, which is a huge improvement over last year,” said HIRS Water Rescue Captain Molly Greenwood. “Training is constant, and we do it every Sunday, but last week was our week-long training session so that we’re ready before the season starts.”
HIRS patrols the shorelines from roughly Ramp 30 just north of Avon to Hatteras Village, while Chicamacomico Banks tackles the Tri-Villages area.
Both organizations rely on donations to stay afloat and continue their efforts to keep the beaches of Hatteras Island safer for both residents and visitors, which includes both on-the-beach and off-the-beach initiatives.
“Every morning, we post the ocean conditions and risk of rip currents on our social media page as well as any information that is important for people heading to the beach,” said Greenwood. “We encourage [the public] to pay attention to moderate and high-risk current days, and to be mindful of rip currents in the area.”
How you can help Hatteras Island’s water rescue squads:
- The Hatteras Island Rescue Squad (HIRS) accepts donations through various methods, including mail, Venmo, and PayPal. Checks can be mailed to PO Box 639, Buxton, NC 27920. Venmo donations can be made to @HatterasIslandRescue, and PayPal donations can be made to @paypal.me/HatterasIslandRescue.
- Donations to Chicamacomico Banks Fire and Rescue can be made via mail to PO Box 125, Rodanthe, NC 27968, and more information about the organization can be found on their website at https://chicamacomicobanks.wordpress.com/.
- For daily updates on beach conditions, visit the HIRS’ Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/HIRS35.
