Carteret County Welcomes You to Our "Crystal Coast " Beaches!

This page is to refresh yourself with the forces of the ocean and not intended to scare you!

The Atlantic Ocean has been a source of fun my entire life!
I still have vivid memories of myself as a child body surfing. I can remember how I would be tossed under by a wave and almost instinctually hold my breath until the wave would pass!
 I also remember the two pounds of sand that would end up in my suit!
 I remember all the shells that would make it back to my house and the long naps the sun would induce!
As a parent, I became aware of the real force of the ocean -
 and made it part of my responsibility to allow my kids to have their fun but to be watchful for potential threats. 
I just want to share some local safety tips and beach issue with you to help make your trip to the Atlantic Ocean a trip full of great memories!



Whether you are a skilled swimmer or a novice-surf swimmer, please respect that the ocean has tremendous force and strength. Be familiar with your surrounding while swimming and please do not swim alone.
Here are some Ocean "rules" and other beach issues to watch for:

WHEN RED FLAGS ARE FLYING, SWIMMING IS PROHIBITED!!
Do not swim in the ocean, these flags fly during dangerous conditions, which aren't always evident to the untrained eye.

Stay 300 feet from all fishing piers while in the water

Flotation Devices are NOT a substitution for swimming ability. Strong breezes and tide changes can cause dangerous drifting .

Inexperienced swimmers should stay in wading deep water in the vicinity of a lifeguard.

Be careful of dangerous rip currents and sudden drop offs.  When in trouble, signal a lifeguard by shouting "Help!

Swinging your arms in a violent motion will tire you out quickly, it is better to conserve your energy and call for help. 

 Do not swim alone.

Choose a beach with lifeguards on duty.

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How to Identify Rip Currents

  • Look for any of these clues:

    • a channel of churning, choppy water
    • an area having a notable difference in water color
    • a line of foam, seaweed, or debris moving steadily seaward
    • a break in the incoming wave pattern

    None, one, or more of the above clues may indicate the presence of rip currents.
    Rip currents are often not readily or easily identifiable to the average beachgoer.
    For your safety, be aware of this major surf zone hazard.
     Polarized sunglasses make it easier to see the rip current clues provided above.

     

    • How to Avoid and Survive Rip Currents

    Rip Current Warning Sign
    Learn how to swim!
    • Never swim alone.
    • Be cautious at all times, especially when swimming at unguarded beaches. If in doubt, dont go out!
    • Whenever possible, swim at a lifeguard protected beach.
    • Obey all instructions and orders from lifeguards.
    • If caught in a rip current, remain calm to conserve energy and think clearly.
    • Dont fight the current. Swim out of the current in a direction following the shoreline. When out of the current, swim towards shore.
    • If you are unable to swim out of the rip current, float or calmly tread water. When out of the current, swim towards shore.
    • If you are still unable to reach shore, draw attention to yourself:  face the shore, wave your arms, and yell for help.
    • If you see someone in trouble, get help from a lifeguard. If a lifeguard is not available, have someone call 9-1-1 . Throw the rip current victim something that floats and yell instructions on how to escape.
      Remember, many people drown while trying to save someone else from a rip current.

     

    A rip current is a horizontal current.
    Rip currents do not pull people under the water-they pull people away from shore. Drowning deaths occur when people pulled offshore are unable to keep themselves afloat and swim to shore.
    This may be due to any combination of fear, panic, exhaustion, or lack of swimming skills.

    Again, the rule is to Swim parralel to the shore line..until you are out of the current.


  • If caught in a rip current, DON'T PANIC!
     
    • Other Beach issues you may encounter :

                   Sea Oats           and          Turtle Nests:         

               

      ~~Never pick the sea oats as they are natures barrier for dune preservation and it
           is illegal.

    ~~ Do not disturn a turtle nest should you come upon one.
         If you see a sand area marked off- stay away.
        This is a nest and is being protected. 
    *** Sharing the beach with sea turtles is an enjoyable , exciting event but a very threatening event as well. Nesting occurs from May thru Augustand  the most frequented area for seasonal nesters to appear are at the Emerald Isle end of the island.
    These loggerhead females come from as far as Florida to nest. The female digs a hole in the sand, lays her eggs , typically around 120 , then  finally, the nest is covered and she returns to the ocean.
     Around 60 days later, the eggs hatch, and the baby turtles try to make their way back to the ocean. If a nest is located, it will be staked and blocked off from public disturbance. Please do not enter this marked of territory as the eggs are fragile. It is illegal to disturb the eggs or the baby turtles.
    The turtle program volunteers of Emerald Isle are closely involved in ensuring the best for these little sea turtles. Their efforts are very rewarding personally  and to the turtle population.    
    Again, another illegal act if you touch anything in these  areas .
     

    Sharks

    Ok, before you panic just read !
    We have to understand that marine life
    occupies the ocean. We also need to respect their space. While sharks are noted to have a nasty violent reputation, they are actually not as predatorial as they are made out to be.Their attacks are often due to them getting too close to shore and we then become in their space.
    Flashy jewelry, bright colorful objects and excessive thrashing in the water can startle a shark, if they are in your space. Stay calm and go to shore. Alert a lifeguard.
    Millions of visitors swim in  the Atlantic every year...statistically-attacks are very low, but knowing how to react if you see one is critical.

                                   




                             
    Jellyfish

    Watch for jellyfish floating on the surface or in the water.Washed up jellyfish are often still venomous-don't pick up. While some can give little more than an annoying stinging sensation, others can produce severe discomfort. The Portuguese man-of-war is sometimes blown onto Carteret beaches and can be recognized by its distinctive balloon-like air bladder, often exhibiting a bluish tint. Man-of-war stings can be serious. 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. In extreme cases, death can result from anaphylactic shock associated with man-of-war toxin exposure.





    StingRay
    Stingray injuries to humans are common in warm coastal areas. Wounds have a traumatic (puncture) component and a toxic (envenomation) component. The puncture component is like a stiletto-type knife wound, most often inflicted on the lower leg/foot ( beach waders) or arm (fishermen). Rare puncture injuries to the thorax or abdomen can cause serious injuries and death. Venom causes intense pain that is out of proportion to the puncture injury. The pain of stingray venom is relieved with hot-water immersion of the injured part, although the exact mechanism for this well-established phenomenon remains unclear.

    Please go to the walk in Urgent Care- 
    Atlantic Beach Causeway, Cape Carteret across from Lowes Hardware, Morehead City under the water tower on Bridges at 35th (behind Hospital ER)

    The Emergency Room is located at Hwy 70 /Arrendell St and 35th Street in Morehead City....
                 Punctures require cleaning & antibiotics .


    Sunburn-
         I understand you came here to get tan and go back looking like you've been on the beach all day-everyday! That fine, but sunscreen with atleast a SPF of 15 is necessary in this environment. Medications, medical conditions and age are factors that also cause risk in prolonged heat. Play safe. Bring lots of fresh water (with sealed lids to keep the sand out) and replenish your sunscreen often as sweat and water reduces protection. Bald heads, small children and fair skin need extra shade.
    Pets are welcome at the beach (on a leash and under owner control-current rabies tag) but remember not a good idea for long periods of time; fur is a heat retainer and dogs overheat quickly. Their paw pads are very prone to burning on the sand also so please be aware of this and other hazzards like broken shells etc. If your dog swims be aware their drinking the salt water may cause for an upset stomach later on.
    Protective eyewear is also a great way to see with better clarity in the bright sun as well as protect your eyes from harmful rays. Even a cloudy day can produce quite a burn-sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen--you will still get a beautiful tan and it will last longer.
    Enjoy your beach time and know this is all about making wonderful memories
    ...that last a lifetime. 

    Once you kick off your shoes and sink your feet in the sand you will understand why Carteret County, the Crystal Coast is the perfect place to be !

    Michele Connors - Your Coastal Carolina Connection !!


     email me:    michele@coastalcarolinaconnection.com 

    Bookmark:   http://www.CoastalCarolinaConnection.com



    Michele Connors, Broker In Charge  CRS, ABR
    Coldwell Banker First Realty Morehead
    The Gateway to Carteret County and The Crystal Coast
    Michele@coastalcarolinaconnection.com
     (252) 223-3333 (office phone)  
    DIRECT 252 342 7066