Beach Safety Information from The Eena Project

  Lifeguarded Beaches

The following area provides lifeguards from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day. Phone numbers are for local fire/ocean rescue unless otherwise noted.

On Ocracoke Island:

The Lifeguarded area is located approximately ½ mile from the edge of Ocracoke Village along Highway 12 at the first paved parking lot on the right heading north. The area is staffed from Memorial Day to Labor Day 9 am to 5 pm daily.

• 911 is always available for Emergency Services
• Fire Department (252) 928–4831
• US Coast Guard Station (252) 928–3711
• NPS Park Ranger Office (252) 928–5111
• Ocracoke Health Center (252)928–1511. Please call for seasonal hours of operation, Monday thru Friday
• After Hours Ocracoke Health Center Contact Number is (252) 928–SICK or (252) 928–7425. As always 911 is available for Emergency Services
• Ocracoke Sheriff’s Office (252) 928–7301 or call 911 for emergencies.

Please visit the National Park Service Ocean Swimming Safety page for more swimming safety information.

Remember: It is always safer to swim in front of a lifeguard!

Every year, millions of people visit the Outer Banks to experience the beauty of the beaches found here. Unfortnately, for the Koles Family, September 2006 brought a tragedy. Kristina (Eena) Koles drowned as a result of a rip current, and her family created The Eena Project in her memory to educate others on rip currents and other beach-related hazards. Please take a few minutes to educate yourself and your family - it has saved lives!

Kristina's death was tragic and preventable. The Eena Project does not want any other family to experience what Kristina's family went through that day. Education on rip currents and water safety can help you have a wonderful vacation here in the Outer Banks.

• Check the ocean forecast and be aware that even on low risk days, rip currents can still exist. Local resources for weather forecasts are Channel 16 for weather and ocean conditions and Channel 12 for periodic beach safety tips. For more information about rip current forecasts, click here to visit NOAA.



• Bring your cell phone and know your exact location at the beach. In an emergency, to get the fastest response, a phone and address can save lives.



• Never swim alone, and also have someone on shore watching you.



• Educate yourself and your family on rip currents.

For more information or to view The Eena Project video, click here.