National Seashore Updates for the Week of September 3

The Cape Hatteras National Seashore (CHNS) announced several recent updates and news items related to recreational activities and seashore conditions on Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands.

News items and events related to the National Seashore for the week of September 3 include the following:

Seashore Updates

• Join Cape Hatteras National Seashore and Outer Banks Forever on Facebook tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. for a streaming sea turtle nest excavation video. During the excavation, Seashore biological technicians will dig up a recently hatched nest, count the empty shells, and collect unhatched eggs for research. During the virtual event, staff will share information about sea turtles that nest on our beaches and will explain what is going on during the excavation. Sign up for the Facebook event to get notified the morning of the broadcast.
  • So far, 222 sea turtles have nested on seashore beaches this season. Be on the lookout for nesting female sea turtles and report any sightings to our hotline at 252-216-6892.
  • All sea turtle and shorebird nesting numbers are listed at http://go.nps.gov/fieldsummary.
• As a result of increased late summer tourism to the Outer Banks, Cape Hatteras National Seashore will offer lifeguard services through the end of September at Coquina Beach Access, Frisco Beach Access, and Ocracoke Beach Access. Lifeguards are on duty seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • It is very important for all beach visitors to check the rip current forecast before heading to the beach. Go to: www.weather.gov/beach/mhx. Visitors can also sign up for ocean safety text messages by texting ‘Join OBXBeachConditions’ to 30890. Text ‘STOP’ to 30890 when you no longer want to receive updates.
• Looking for the status of Cape Hatteras National Seashore facilities and services? Visit www.nps.gov/caha/planyourvisit/operational-status-report.htm. The Operational Status Report provides the most up-to-date information and conditions for Cape Hatteras.
• Visitors should practice the Three W’s – Wear. Wait. Wash. Wear a cloth face covering when social distancing cannot be maintained. Wait 6 feet apart. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer.