Hurricane season extends from June to November. When a hurricane approaches, the Town officials will issue either a mandatory or a voluntary evacuation. During a mandatory evacuation, everyone must leave the island and go further inland. This includes both vacationers and permanent residents. After the mandatory evacuation is executed, the bridges are secured by the state police and no vehicles are allowed on the island until the evacuation is lifted. During a voluntary evacuation the individual can decide whether they leave the island or not, but they are given instructions to take in porch furniture and secure windows and doors, etc. The Weather Channel issues early warnings so there is ample time for citizens to prepare. Newspapers, radio and television stations keep the public notified about evacuations as well as re-entry information.

Be especially aware of Rip Currents. Often mistakenly called “undertows,” these powerful currents can pull the most experienced swimmer away from the shore. They are formed when water rushes out to sea in a narrow path. Rip currents can extend 1,000 feet off-shore, reach 100 feet in width and travel up to 3 mph. Some are present for a few hours; others are permanent. Rip currents are more prevalent after storms.

If you’re caught in a rip current, don’t panic or swim against the current. Swim parallel to shore until you are out of the current. Rip currents are rarely more than 30 feet wide. If you can’t break out of the current, float calmly until it dissipates, usually just beyond the breakers. Then swim diagonally to shore. If you don’t swim well, stay in wading depths and watch for sudden drop offs.

Atlantic Beach Lifeguards:
Life Guards are on duty at the “Circle” in Atlantic Beach.

Emerald Isle Lifeguards:
They are located at the Western Regional Beach Access (next to the Islander) and the Eastern Regional Beach Access (next to Pier Point), also with one lifeguard riding a ATV between the two accesses to watch the beach between the two.

Please use caution when swimming. Never swim alone! Never swim at night! Non-swimmers should either stay out of the water or wear life jackets while in the water. Always keep an eye on your children and teach them to never turn their backs on the waves. Even though you might feel invincible while on vacation, the many rescues and occasional drowning prove that the ocean is mightier than the swimmer!

Limit your time in the sun during peak hours. While these times may vary slightly depending on the season and where you live, this is normally between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Floppy hats and large umbrellas work to block the sun’s rays, in addition to sunscreen on any exposed areas. An SPF of 45+ is recommended for it allows even the fairest skinned folks to stay out in the sun for a few hours before reapplying. Remember: Putting on sun screen once isn’t enough; sweat and humidity will wear through after a couple of hours.

The coast is teeming with wildlife of all shapes and sizes. Most are a wonder to behold, and make your vacation experience unforgettable in a pleasant way.  Be aware though — Mother Nature can wield some unpleasant critters, too.

Bugs

Mosquitoes are the State Bird of North Carolina. We kid, we kid. But seriously, the mosquitoes here can be numerous and hungry thanks to the warm, moist climate and frequent rainfall during summer months. Make sure to keep yourself frequently sprayed with bug spray, from head to toe. Even with the winds coming off of the water, you’ll still find yourself with a few bites after a day outside.

Sharks

Unlike most people think, there is only a remote chance of being attacked by a shark. Only about 25 (more or less) people a year get bitten by sharks worldwide. About three of these attacks are fatal. When you compare this to the number of people who go in the water, this is a very small percentage.

To reduce your risk of shark bites even further you can take the following precautions: Do not swim alone, as sharks are more likely to attack a solitary individual. Do not wander far from shore. Avoid the water at dawn or during twilight hours when sharks are most active. Don’t wear bright clothing and reflective jewelry that attracts the attention of sharks and other fish. Avoid thrashing about wildly – excessive splashing attract sharks. For this reason, it is advised that you not swim with pets. Do not swim near fishing stations. Stay away from inlets, fishing piers, steep drop offs and the areas between sandbars – these are favorite hangouts for sharks. If you see a shark, calmly leave the water as quickly and quietly as possible.

 Jellyfish & Portuguese Man-of-War

Watch for jellyfish floating on the surface or in the water. While some can give little more than an annoying stinging sensation, others can produce severe discomfort.

Jellyfish stings occur when the stinging cells on the jellyfish’s tentacles touch your skin then release a poison that can cause a temporary burning pain and skin rash. In serious cases, the stings may cause cramps, difficulty breathing, shock, nausea or vomiting.

If the tentacles get in your eyes, rinse them with room temperature water for at least 15 minutes. Do not use vinegar or other remedies in the eyes. If the tentacles are not in your eyes, pour vinegar on the site to help prevent the stinging cells from firing, then remove the tentacles with a cloth or stick (not your hands). Ice packs may help control pain. In severe cases, contact the doctor for further advice.

The Portuguese Man-of-War is sometimes blown onto Outer Banks beaches after storms. It can be recognized by its bluish tint balloon-like shape. Portuguese Man-of-War stings occur when the stinging cells on its tentacles touch your skin, then release a poison that can cause severe pain. In serious cases the stings may cause cramps, difficulty breathing, shock, nausea or vomiting. Anyone who is stung by the tentacles and develops breathing difficulties or generalized body swelling should be transported to the nearest emergency facility for treatment. Use Ice packs to help control the pain.