Picture it:
It's your first day in your Seaside Vacations Outer Banks beach rental home. It's windy, but the sun is shining and you're ready to hit the beach. You've applied sunscreen, gathered beach towels, filled up the cooler with snacks and water, and loaded up the wagon with toys, umbrellas, chairs and the kiddos. You walk down the beach path and there it is - the beautiful Atlantic Ocean. And it. Is. Angry. So angry that lifeguards have put up the No Swimming red flags. You just wasted an hour (or two… or three…) getting ready to play in the sea spray only to discover that entering the water is too dangerous.*
In order to help visitors and locals prepare for their beach days, Dare County's Emergency Management has set up a local group anyone can join in order to receive beach-related National Weather Service alerts 24 hours a day. All you have to do is text: "OBXBeachConditions" to 77295. Users will also receive condition reports posted by ocean rescue personnel. Whenever you decide you don't want/need updates anymore, simply reply with "stop".
*When you encounter red flags, you must obey them. The risk of rip currents is way too high, and swimming conditions are too dangerous even for the most experienced of swimmers.
BEACH WARNING FLAGS
The National Weather Service issues a daily forecast with hazard statements for the ocean beaches on the Outer Banks. They use beach warning flags to signify whether the "rip current risk level" and other hidden hazards are LOW, MODERATE, or HIGH. Below are the flags used by the NWS and their meaning so you can know exactly what the forecast is and how safe it is to go in the water. Always consult a lifeguard or other local ocean rescue personnel with any questions and check out "What to Do on Red Flag Days" for fun Outer Banks activities you and your family can do without going in the water!
NO FLAGS: LOW RISK
YELLOW FLAG: MODERATE RISK
RED FLAG: HIGH RISK
DOUBLE RED FLAG: WATER IS CLOSED
PURPLE FLAG: DANGEROUS MARINE LIFE
RED/YELLOW FLAG: LIFEGUARDED BEACH*
- NO FLAGS means that the National Weather Service is predicting a low risk of rip currents or dangerous conditions. Life-threatening rip currents are still possible so it is important always to know your location and to swim near a lifeguard when possible.
- YELLOW FLAG means there is a MODERATE RISK of hazardous surf and/or life-threatening rip currents. Swimmers should enter the water with caution.
- RED FLAG means there is a HIGH RISK of hazardous surf and/or life-threatening rip currents. All swimmers are advised NOT to enter the water. Rough conditions are expected.
- DOUBLE RED FLAG means there is a HIGH RISK of hazardous surf and/or life-threatening rip currents AND local ocean rescue has determined the water to be unsafe for swimmers and rescue personnel. The water is CLOSED to the public.
- PURPLE FLAG means that dangerous marine life such as jellyfish or stingrays are present in the water. This does NOT include sharks.
- RED/YELLOW FLAG means that lifeguards monitor a specific area of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore.* Flags may be used to designate swimming areas and/or indicate protection by a qualified lifeguard.
RIP CURRENTS
Your Outer Banks vacation should be a great experience where you return year after year to make the memories. To do that, it's important to educate yourself on rip currents BEFORE you hit the beach. Rip currents are fast-moving currents of water that can pull even the strongest swimmer away from the shore. In fact, some rip currents have been measured to reach speeds of up to 8-feet per second, though most are typically at around 1 to 2-feet which is still fast enough to quickly pull a swimmer away from the shore.
Be sure to check local conditions before swimming by checking the local rip current forecast through the National Weather Service, looking for Red Flags at the beach, and registering for Dare County Emergency Management OBX Beach Conditions alerts.
STAY SAFE ON THE OUTER BANKS!
Make your next trip to the Outer Banks a fun and safe experience! Keep up to date with current beach conditions and check out our Beach Safety Guide for ways to ensure that your ocean adventures are good memories and great times!
Book your stay today in one of our cozy vacation rentals and explore all the best and brightest that the Outer Banks has to offer. Give our wonderful Guest Services Team a call today at (866) 884-0267 or take a look at our available rentals to get started planning your next historic adventure to the Outer Banks.
And don't forget about our layaway plan, which makes booking your dream vacation easier than ever. So don't wait. We're booking Outer Banks vacation rentals year round and we're excited to help you create memories to last a lifetime. We're here to help make your OBX vacation fun, exciting, and hassle-free. Give us a call today! Be sure to provide accurate information and make any necessary payments.
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We’ll see you at the beach.
