Outer Banks Beach Safety Tips & Ocean Awareness

Beach safety and awareness is an important part of making sure your family understands potential hazards and learns the safety tips when vacationing here on the Outer Banks. We are a barrier island destination so winds and currents play a huge role in ocean conditions. It is important to be knowledgeable about the power of waves, rip currents, marine life, and what safety flags are and what they mean. Be safe, be alert, and follow beach safety guidelines.

Know the ocean and respect its power. Learn more about Dare County's initiative to educate the community about beach hazards.

It's important to know how to identify Rip Currents from the shore and know what to do if you ever find yourself in one. Watch the video above.

🌊 OBX Beach Safety Tips: Stay Safe, So You Can Have Fun

The Outer Banks is a beautiful place to relax, explore, and enjoy the beach, but the ocean is powerful, and conditions can change quickly. Whether you're swimming, sunbathing, or just dipping your toes in the surf, following a few simple safety tips can help make your time by the water safe and enjoyable for everyone. Your safety matters. With a little preparation and awareness, you can enjoy all the beauty and fun the Outer Banks has to offer—safely and responsibly.

📲 Stay Informed

Before hitting the beach:

• Check local conditions at Dare County Beach Hazards

• Get weather alerts from NOAA

• Sign up for OBX Alerts

• Observe posted signs and listen to lifeguards

🚨 Rip Currents: Know the Risks

Rip currents are fast-moving channels of water that flow away from the shore. They can be dangerous—even for strong swimmers.

• How to Spot One: Look for areas where waves aren’t breaking, water appears darker or choppy, or foam/debris is flowing out to sea.

• If You're Caught: Stay calm. Don’t swim against the current. Swim parallel to the shore until you're free, then head back to land at an angle.

Always swim near lifeguards and check local reports before getting in the water. Here is a list of where lifeguards are stationed in Dare County.

🚩 Beach Flags: Understand the Warnings

Beach safety flags are posted to alert beachgoers to current water conditions:

• Yellow – Moderate surf and/or currents, use caution

• Red – High hazard, dangerous surf and currents

• Double Red – Water is closed to the public

Check the flags each day and follow local guidelines. They're there to protect you.

⚡ Pop-Up Thunderstorms: Don’t Wait to Take Cover

In summer, the OBX frequently experiences fast-moving thunderstorms. Even if the skies look clear, lightning can strike miles ahead of a storm.

• If you hear thunder, go indoors or seek shelter in your vehicle.

• Don’t stay in the water or on the beach if storms are approaching.

• Check out our page on OBX Weather.

Remember: When thunder roars, go indoors.

☀️ Sun Safety: Protect Your Skin

The beach sun can be intense, especially midday. Keep your skin and body safe with these tips:

• Apply SPF 30+ sunscreen before heading out and reapply every 2 hours (or more if swimming/sweating).

• Wear a hat, sunglasses, and sun-protective clothing.

• Bring or seek shade regularly, especially for kids.

• Stay hydrated to avoid overheating.

🐾 Pet Safety: Keep Your Four-Legged Friends Safe

Pets love the beach too! Keep them happy and healthy:

• Leash laws vary by town—check local ordinances before you go.

• Bring plenty of fresh water and a bowl.

• Watch for hot sand and keep an eye out for hazards like broken shells or fishing hooks.

• Never let your dog drink saltwater—it can make them sick.

👨‍👩‍👧 Family Beach Tips

The OBX is a wonderful place for family fun! A few extra steps will help keep everyone safe:

• Always supervise children near the water.

• Consider life jackets for young or inexperienced swimmers.

• Set up your area away from the tide line and teach kids what to do if they get separated.

• Bring plenty of snacks, water, and shade to keep little ones comfortable all day long.

🐠 Marine Life Awareness: Respect the Ocean's Inhabitants

The Outer Banks is home to a variety of marine creatures—most are harmless, but it’s smart to be cautious: these conditions will hoist a purple flag.

• Jellyfish stings are possible—if you’re stung, rinse with vinegar or saltwater (not fresh water) and seek help if pain is severe.

• Shark sightings are rare but possible. Avoid swimming at dawn/dusk, near schools of fish, or if you're bleeding.

• Shuffle your feet in the shallows to avoid stingrays.

If you spot marine life while swimming, keep your distance and alert others calmly.