Rip Currents Other Helpful 31 For Your Trip Rip currents are the leading surf hazard for all beach-goers. They are particularly dangerous for weak swimmers. Rip current speeds are typically one-to-two feet per second. However, speeds as high as eight feet per second have been recorded. This is faster than an Olympic swimmer can sprint. Rip currents can sweep even the strongest swimmer out to sea. Always swim near a lifeguard. If you see red flags flying, this indicates that a rip current has been spotted, or due to the conditions in the water, a rip current is likely to occur. If you find yourself caught in a rip current, don’t panic; it will pull you away from shore but it won’t pull you under water. Here are some tips to help you get out of the situation safely: • Don’t try to swim directly to shore; swim out of the current in a direction parallel to the shoreline. • Once you get out of the current, swim at an angle away from the current and toward the shore. • If you become tired, try floating or treading water. • If you need assistance, wave your arms for help. You should never swim alone. Emergency Services: • Corolla Fire & Rescue 827 Whalehead Dr., Corolla, NC 252-453-3242 • Carova Beach Volunteer Fire & Rescue 2169 Ocean Pearl Rd., Corolla, NC 252-453-8690 Beach Info Each year, thousands of visitors enjoy the beautiful beaches of the Currituck Outer Banks. Here are some ways in which you can help keep our beaches safe and protected while following county ordinances: • The dunes have been protected since the 1930s; walking or driving on the dunes is prohibited. • Open burning — including bonfires — along the beaches is prohibited; licensed commercial fishermen engaged in fishing are excluded. • Overnight camping on the beach is prohibited. • The wild horses should be enjoyed from a safe distance of at least 50 feet and cannot be fed. (Prohibited by County ordinance.) • Do not park or set up beach equipment next to the water’s edge or dune line. These are designated fire, emergency and vehicular traffic lanes. Currituck County would like to acknowledge the following individuals for their contribution of photography to this guide: • Brooke Mayo Photography (horses & family-front cover, seagull-back cover, two girls on beach-p.1, kids on beach-p.8, bride & flower girls-p.12, pelicans-p.20) • Eve Turek (osprey-p.7, beach-p.13) • Holger Obenaus (golf course-p.18) • John Aylor (fireworks-p.26)
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