Since we don’t come down in the summer I’m wondering when the lifeguards who are at designated accesses leave. Are they still there after Labor Day for a while? I’m guessing they aren’t. How about those who patrol the beach on ATV or in a truck?

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Since we don’t come down in the summer I’m wondering when the lifeguards who are at designated accesses leave. Are they still there after Labor Day for a while? I’m guessing they aren’t. How about those who patrol the beach on ATV or in a truck?

One of my son's friends worked the summer and fall after he graduated college in Nags Head. He was working as a guard from the end of May to the middle of October. Last week I saw guards at the stations near us on the beach and the patrols were riding the beach every 30 minutes

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Oh great!
Thank you, Laszlo.
My cousin and his family are planning a trip down to SNH next early September. It will be their first trip to the Outer Banks. I’m glad there will be lifeguards since they will be inexperienced with the surf and it’s dangers.

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Oh great!
Thank you, Laszlo.
My cousin and his family are planning a trip down to SNH next early September. It will be their first trip to the Outer Banks. I’m glad there will be lifeguards since they will be inexperienced with the surf and it’s dangers.

Don't fool yourself, a lifeguard on an ATV is not like a lifeguard on a stand. If they show up every 30 min - that's 29 unguarded.

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Absolutely, Tim!
I agree!

Is there anyway to find out (or maybe someone here knows) if there is a lifeguard stationed at the access at the Outer Banks Pier?
That’s where they will be.

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[
Don't fool yourself, a lifeguard on an ATV is not like a lifeguard on a stand. If they show up ever 30 min - that's 29 unguarded.

Hmmm...from a random July 2 CBFD release:

Between Saturday and Sunday we preformed 21 ocean rescues, 16 of them being today. Only ONE of these rescues was paged out by a 911 call, all others were observed by our lifeguards.

There are pros and cons to each approach.

By your own admission you are not a water guy ;) the stats speak for them selves...

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Absolutely, Tim!
I agree!

Is there anyway to find out (or maybe someone here knows) if there is a lifeguard stationed at the access at the Outer Banks Pier?
That’s where they will be.

I have seen no lifeguard stands up over the past two weeks and the fire department across the street from the pier has ~6 or so lifeguard stands in their parking lot. It looks like they are wrapped up for the season. I'm 0.6 miles to the south. I have seen the ATV patrols two weekends ago. Last week I went fishing for 2 hours in the afternoon and didn't see a single ATV. They may still be patrolling though. Someone was out putting up the red flags earlier.

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Hours
Guards are on-duty 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Season
Ocean Rescue staffing levels decrease after Labor Day. The Town will have four lifeguard stands staffed through the end of September. From October 1 -31, lifeguards will be on roving duty; however, no lifeguard stands will be staffed. Keep in mind this information may change due to staffing levels.

Click to follow link...

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From the Sept 10 Town of Nags Head update email:

Labor Day Weekend has come and gone and Ocean Rescue has officially transitioned into their fall season.

Remaining Stand Locations

Bonnett
Epstein
Gulfstream

The beach will be guarded by 3 remaining stands, 4 patrolling ATVs, and 2 truck supervisors.

With a decrease in guards on the beach and the significant increase of swell and force that we see in the fall, public safety is at a greater risk. It is IMPORTANT to know your limits and to pay attention to our daily safety advisories.

~ Rip currents will have more force in the fall and are at their strongest during low tide

~ Shore break will build in height and strength during High Tide.

~ Educate yourself on the safety advisories, flagging, and problematic areas.

~ Always swim near a guarded location if available and let someone know you’re entering the water.

For questions or any additional information, stop and ask a lifeguard. They are always happy to answer your questions and advise on our daily safety precautions.

Be safe, Be seen, and Be Smart!

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Thank you JCL1

I just sent that info to my cousin.

Glad to know Bonnett St still has a guard.
That’s where we like to go if we know we want to go in the water.

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Here's another link to Nags Head Ocean Rescue. It lists all the NH beach accesses, and which ones have lifeguards, etc. This has been accurate for the past few years, and probably will be for 2024 also, but no guarantee. This list applies from Memorial Day to Labor Day. The coverage dwindles after Labor Day, as others pointed out.

Click to follow link...

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Thank you,WM!
You all are so helpful!

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Absolutely, Tim!
I agree!

Is there anyway to find out (or maybe someone here knows) if there is a lifeguard stationed at the access at the Outer Banks Pier?
That’s where they will be.

If that important I suggest you hire a lifeguard. I have never tried but I bet you can hire a lifeguard to moonlite for you.

Call Chad (nice guy very helpful) and ask him. He is head NG lifeguard. Chad Motz
Ocean Rescue Captain
Email Chad Motz
Phone: 252-489-9371

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I talked with my cousin about the dangers lurking in the surf here.
Her son and his family are coming with them.
I didn’t know this but he is certified in “swift water” rescue and is abundantly aware of the potential dangers.
He is also full time EMT. He lives near the Potomac River just outside of DC and has had lots of rescue experience. Handy guy to have around!
I feel better.

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We’ve hired a lifeguard for our pool when we’ve had a big party. Never thought about the beach but good idea.

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I talked with my cousin about the dangers lurking in the surf here.
Her son and his family are coming with them.
I didn’t know this but he is certified in “swift water” rescue and is abundantly aware of the potential dangers.
He is also full time EMT. He lives near the Potomac River just outside of DC and has had lots of rescue experience. Handy guy to have around!
I feel better.

When I lived in Virginia there were lots and lots of fast water rescues on the upper Potomac river on the evening news in DC.

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