Oak Island is known for its peaceful beauty, family-friendly beaches and inviting Atlantic waters. But beneath
the surface of those calming waves, powerful natural forces can pose serious risks — even to strong swimmers.
As the warm months draw locals and visitors to the shoreline, understanding rip currents and the Oak Island
warning flag system becomes critical for beach safety. To help promote Rip Tide Awareness Month, we’d like to
share this important information.
What Are Rip Currents?
Rip currents — sometimes called “riptides,” though that’s a misnomer — are narrow, fast-moving channels of
water that pull away from the shore. They can form at any beach with breaking waves and are particularly
common near piers, jetties or sandbars. These currents can move at speeds of up to 8 feet per second — faster
than an Olympic swimmer.
Rip currents don’t pull swimmers under the water, but they can quickly carry you far from shore, creating panic
and exhaustion if you try to fight them head-on. Unfortunately, many drownings occur when swimmers,
unaware of what’s happening, try to swim against the current directly back to the beach.
Oak Island’s Proactive Approach
Oak Island takes beach safety seriously. From trained Ocean Rescue staff to regular public advisories, the town works hard to keep beachgoers informed and protected. One of the most visible signs of this commitment is the use of a color-coded beach flag warning system.
You’ll see these flags at beach access points, lifeguard stands, and emergency stations across Oak Island:
- Green Flag – Low hazard: Calm conditions, but always use caution.
- Yellow Flag – Medium hazard: Moderate surf and/or currents. Swim near a lifeguard and stay alert.
- Red Flag – High hazard: Strong surf and/or dangerous currents. Swimming is strongly discouraged.
- Double Red Flag – Water closed to the public. Conditions are extremely dangerous.
- Purple Flag – Marine pests are present (like jellyfish or stingrays), but surf conditions are not necessarily hazardous.
Oak Island Fire and Ocean Rescue teams assess conditions daily and update the flag warnings as needed. These flags are your first visual cue about what kind of risks may be present in the water.
How to Spot and Survive a Rip Current
Even on days with yellow or green flags, rip currents can occur unexpectedly. Watch for signs such as:
- A break in the incoming wave pattern
- A noticeable channel of churning or foamy water
- Water that appears darker and deeper in a narrow path heading offshore
If you’re caught in a rip current:
- Stay calm – Don’t fight the current.
- Float and conserve energy – The current will not drag you under.
- Swim parallel to the shore – Escape the narrow current, then swim back in.
- Wave and call for help if needed – Lifeguards or fellow beachgoers can assist.
Oak Island lifeguards are trained for rip current rescues, but prevention and awareness are your best tools.
Keep the Whole Family Safe
Before heading to the beach:
- Check the daily flag status via Oak Island’s official website or social media channels.
- Swim near staffed lifeguard stands.
- Keep a close eye on children, especially in or near the water.
- Consider using U.S. Coast Guard-approved flotation devices for weaker swimmers.
Oak Island’s beaches are among the most beautiful in North Carolina. By respecting the ocean’s power and knowing how to recognize and respond to rip currents, we can all enjoy the surf.