Emerald Isle was the first town on Bogue Banks to institute a beach flag warning system. This system provides daily information about the presence of inherent dangers in the ocean. Flags are posted at the base of the Bonner Bridge, at town administration offices, the fire department, public parking areas and along the beaches. It is important to monitor the beach flag system when you head to the beach to swim! Strong currents may be present in the water, but you may not be able to tell just by looking at the water. Flags are posted along the Emerald Isle beaches during the months when lifeguards are patrolling the beach, from Memorial Day to Labor Day. It is important to note that Emerald Isle is ALWAYS at a minimum level of yellow flags.
Some beach communities fly GREEN flags to indicate that conditions are safe. The Town of Emerald Isle does not fly green flags, as we believe that there are always inherent dangers when swimming in the ocean, therefore it is never completely safe and you should always use caution. YELLOW flags indicate moderate hazards, and the public should use caution in the ocean. In Emerald Isle, even the calmest of days on the beach can pose an inherent risk when entering the ocean and the public is always advised to use caution. Parents should keep an eye on their children and swimmers should buddy up. RED flags indicate that there is a high risk of strong currents or other hazards and the public is advised to stay out of the water DOUBLE RED flags indicate that there is an extremely high risk of strong currents or other hazards. Under double red conditions, swimmers, surfers and even walkers are prohibited from entering the ocean from Town beaches. The Town, under the authority granted by Town Ordinance Chapter 5 Section 5-25 can and will arrest and/or fine violators who go in the water. PURPLE flags indicate an abundance of potentially hazardous marine life in the vicinity, including Portuguese man-o-war, jellyfish, and other creatures. The town will fly these flags as needed in specific locations, however, the use of PURPLE FLAGS is relatively rare.
The Emerald Isle Beach warning flag system is relatively new so numerous questions arise from vacationers and permanent residents alike. I’ve compiled a list of commonly asked questions and given answers. For starters, when are beach warning flags posted on Emerald Isle beaches? The only time flags are posted along the beach are during the months when lifeguards are patrolling the beach, from Memorial Day to Labor Day. It is important to note that Emerald Isle is ALWAYS at a minimum level of yellow flags. Emerald Isle NEVER flies green flags because the Town believes that there are always inherent dangers when entering the ocean and you should always use caution. What should I do if I don’t see a flag posted on the beach? If you don’t see a flag from where you are on the beach, you should check with the Emerald Isle Fire Department or the town website to determine current beach conditions. Remember that the Town of Emerald Isle is NEVER under green flag conditions, so the public is always advised to use caution. Does Emerald Isle have lifeguards on the beaches? Yes, lifeguards begin patrolling Emerald Isle beaches the week before Memorial Day each year and continue through Labor Day. Stationary lifeguards are located at both the East and West Regional Ocean Accesses and up to 4 roving lifeguards are patrolling the beach strand daily. All lifeguards serving on the beaches are United States Lifeguard Association (USLA) certified.
What method is used for emergency water rescue operations in Emerald Isle? The Town of Emerald Isle has found over the years that the quickest response in rescue operations is achieved by traveling over the roadways to the closest access rather than trying to get through hundreds or thousands of people along a crowded beach. Getting to the location as quickly as possible gives rescue teams the greatest chances of conducting a successful rescue. Although Emerald Isle is noted for its wide, sandy beaches and warm ocean waters, care should always be exercised. The “buddy system” should always be used when playing or swimming in the ocean waters. Swimming alone is not advised. And children should never be left unattended. What should I do if I see someone in trouble? For emergency water rescue on Emerald Isle beaches, call 911, and the town emergency response personnel will be on the scene as quickly as possible. If you believe that you are an exceptionally good swimmer and are willing to provide assistance, you can grab a nearby flotation device provided by the Town and go in to help if you choose to. NEVER ENTER THE WATER TO CONDUCT A RESCUE WITHOUT A FLOTATION DEVICE! There are 100 rescue buoys stationed on poles along the beach strand that have been provided by the town to assist those that choose to help in these situations. Swim close enough to the person so that you can toss them the flotation device, but not so close that they can grab you or you will become their flotation device. Talk to them and try to keep them calm until help arrives. What should I do if severe weather warnings are issued while I’m at the beach? Be attentive to any weather-related watches or warnings issued by the National Weather Service or local authorities, and follow carefully any precautionary directions or evacuation notices from public safety officials. When thunderstorms or lightning threaten, seek cover promptly in a large enclosed building or if not possible, an enclosed metal vehicle. The National Weather Service recommends waiting 30 minutes until after the last thunder crack before returning to the beach. You can always get the latest on tropical storm forecasts from the National Hurricane Center.
Where can I find beach safety information during my vacation in Emerald Isle? Emerald Isle’s Town staff hosts educational programs on beach safety, rip current dangers, and other hazards multiple times per month to help educate beachgoers. The Fire Department conducts public education classes for schools, locals and visitors that focuses specifically on water safety. These events are publicized on the Town’s website and other social media platforms. Police and lifeguards patrolling Emerald Isle beaches hand out flyers with the flag warnings, rip current information and beach rules and regulations. Town staff constantly evaluate local conditions and communicate and coordinate with NOAA and other agencies to provide the most current information on conditions and warnings present for our residents and guests. Conditions are updated constantly, and warnings are posted on the Town’s website and social media platforms to give residents the information they need to make good decisions. The Town produces thousands of flyers, signs, magnets, newsletters and other informational sources annually to provide to residents and post around town to ensure that the information is available to our residents and guests. The Parks and Recreation department hands out drink koozies with flags and rip current information to every person that pays to park at one of the public beach accesses. The Town also works closely with the major rental companies in the area to get safety information out to visitors and guests. To learn more about the beach and ocean safety in Emerald Isle and along the Crystal Coast, go to my website, www.EmeraldIsleHomesforSaleNC.com and sign up for my blog. Ready to buy or sell? Call me at 919-308-2292. Explore the video tab for my weekly uploads to my YouTube channel. Subscribe to my YouTube channel and receive free donuts at my Flip Flops Donut shop. Text your email address to 919-308-2292 and subscribe to my newsletter. My book, "Live Where You Vacation" is available on Amazon.com or at Kindle.
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