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)