Beach Hazards Statement Issued for Eastern North Carolina Through Tuesday
CARTERET COUNTY, N.C. — The National Weather Service has issued a beach hazards statement for parts of Eastern North Carolina, warning of dangerous swimming conditions expected throughout the day on Tuesday.
Rip Current Risk in Outer Banks and Carteret County
According to the NWS Newport/Morehead City office, the advisory is in effect from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday for beaches in East Carteret, the Northern Outer Banks, and Hatteras Island.
“Dangerous rip currents and strong longshore currents in the surf zone can be expected,” forecasters said. “The most likely time for strong rip currents to occur is a couple hours either side of low tide, which will occur around 9 a.m. Tuesday.”
Dangers for Swimmers and Surfers
The weather service cautioned that rip currents can overpower even the most experienced swimmers, pulling them away from shore and into deeper water.
“Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away from shore into deeper water,” the NWS explained. “Strong longshore currents will create dangerous swimming conditions.”
Officials also warned that longshore currents can carry swimmers into piers, jetties, or directly into rip currents. In some cases, the current is strong enough to prevent swimmers from keeping their feet on the bottom, making it extremely difficult to return to shore.
Safety Guidance from NWS
Beachgoers are urged to exercise caution and swim near lifeguards. If caught in a rip current, the NWS recommends remaining calm, swimming parallel to shore, and treading water if tired.
“If unable to escape, face the shore and call or wave for help,” the statement noted.
The hazard statement remains in effect until 8 p.m. Tuesday, covering a large stretch of popular tourist beaches along North Carolina’s coast.
Do you think local officials should consider more year-round lifeguard coverage on North Carolina beaches to address increasing rip current risks? Share your thoughts at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
