Hatteras Island Lifeguard Beaches
Lifeguard stands are manned from 9am to 5pm from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
> Old Lighthouse Beach
Location: Adjacent to the Old Cape Hatteras Lighthouse site with paved parking area and restrooms.
> Frisco Beach
Location: South of Frisco Village with boardwalk, showers, restrooms, paved parking, and is wheelchair accessible.
RED FLAG WARNING
Our beach utilizes a warning system - a large RED FLAG flying indicates that the currents are strong and the water is unsafe for swimming. DO NOT GO IN THE WATER - YOU PUT YOURSELF AND LIFEGUARDS AT RISK!
Local safety officials determine when such conditions exist and also make the decision as to when to take the flags down. Conditions may change during the course of the day -- pay attention!
Just because red flags are not posted does not mean the ocean is safe; there is always a risk when swimming or wading in open waters. If you are concerned about the conditions, check with a lifeguard at one of the designated lifeguard stands.
RIP CURRENTS
Strong rip currents can start very near the beach and carry you into deep water in seconds. They are caused by a slight depression in the beach between breaking waves. The returning water will head for the depression and soon become a dangerously strong seaward flow. If you are caught in a rip, do NOT try and swim straight back to shore. Swim parallel to shore until you feel the current weaken or let the current take you out until it weakens. Then swim back to shore at a 45-degree angle.