Southern Shores - Lifeguard Stands
No Public Beach Accesses are located in the town of Southern Shores, to access Lifeguard Stands, guests must be staying in the subdivision.
Roving lifeguards (4x4 trucks and ATVs) patrol from late May through September. Lifeguard stands are manned from 10am to 6pm from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Memorial Day Weekend – Labor Day Weekend
> Hillcrest Drive
Location: Hillcrest Drive with handicap beach access and wood walkway.
> Chicahauk Trail
Location: Chicahauk Trail with wood walkway
Mid-June – Mid-August
> E Dogwood Trail
Location: E Dogwood Trail
> 142 Ocean Blvd
Location: 142 Ocean Blvd
Kitty Hawk - Lifeguard Stands
Lifeguard stands are manned from 10am to 6pm from Memorial Day to Labor Day and from 10am to 6pm from Labor Day to September 30th. Roving lifeguards (4x4 trucks and ATVs) also patrol from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
> Byrd Street Access
Location: Mile Post 2 with paved parking, handicapped parking, restrooms, shower, and wood walkway
> Eckner Street Access
Location: Eckner Street with bike rack
> Lillian Street Access
Location: Mile Post 4 with paved parking, handicapped parking, showers, and wood walkway
> Kitty Hawk Bath House Access
Location: 3840 N Va Dare Trail, Kitty Hawk, NC 27949 with paved parking, handicap access, and bath house
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.