Beach
safety is an important part of an Outer Banks vacation
Play it smart to keep your vacation a safe one.
WHEN RED FLAGS
ARE FLYING, SWIMMING IS PROHIBITED! Red flags fly during dangerous
conditions, which aren't always evident to an untrained eye.
Do not swim
alone.
Keep an eye
on your children at all times! REPEAT Keep an eye on your
children at all times!
Flotation
Devices are NOT a substitution for swimming ability. Strong breezes
and tide changes can cause dangerous drifting. Rely on swimming
ability rather than flotation devices.
Inexperienced
swimmers should limit themselves to wading-deep water.
Be careful
of DANGEROUS RIP CURRENTS and SUDDEN DROP-OFFS. Rip currents have
a noticeable difference in water color, a gap in the breaking waves
and foam or other objects moving steadily out to sea. If you find
yourself caught in a rip current, DON'T PANIC! Swim parallel to
the shore until you are clear of the current. If you can't break
free of the rip current, let it take you out beyond the breakers.
Then swim diagonally toward shore. Never try to swim against the
current!
Swim in an
area clear of surfers.
Don't dive
into unknown water or into shallow breaking waves.
Remain at
least 300 feet from all fishing piers.
When in trouble,
signal by shouting "Help!" Swinging your arms in a violent
motion will tire you out quickly. It is better to conserve your
energy and yell for help.
Yes, there
are SHARKS! After all, it IS the ocean!
Don't swim
far from assistance.
Stay out of
the water at dawn, dusk, and night when some species of sharks move
inshore to feed.
Do not enter
the water if you have open wounds or are bleeding in any way. Sharks
can detect blood and body fluids in very small concentrations.
Avoid murky
waters, harbor entrances, and other areas near stream mouths (especially
after heavy rains), channels or steep drop-offs. These types of
waters are are known to be frequented by sharks.
Do not wear
high-contrast clothing or shiny jewelry. Sharks see contrast very
well.
Refrain from
excessive splashing; keep pets which swim erratically, out of the
water. Sharks are known to be attracted to such activity.
Do not enter
the water if sharks are are known to be present, and leave the water
quickly and calmly if one is sighted. Do not provoke or harass a
shark, even a small one.
Be alert to
the activity of fish or turtles. If they start to behave erratically,
leave the water. A shark may be present.
Do not swim
near people fishing. Stay away from dead animals in the water.