The Beach Strand:
The line of sand dunes with fragile beach vegetation along the south side of Ocean Boulevard provides protection from storms. Please do not walk over the dunes to the ocean. Use the wooden walkways and ramps.
Only emergency and official Town Staff vehicles are allowed to drive on the beach.
There are no lifeguards when swimming. RIP CURRENTS can kill you. If you get caught in a rip current pulling you away from shore, swim parallel to the shoreline until you get out of the current — do not try to swim against the current back to shore.
Jet skis should only be operated outside 500 feet from shore. Do not ride skis onto the beach strand.
Pets are not allowed on the beach from May 20 to September 10, except between 5:00 p.m. and 9:00 a.m. daily. Pets must be on a leash at all times on the island.
No surfboard shall be carried, pushed, wheeled, ridden or otherwise used on the beach strand and/or adjacent ocean waters within 500 feet of any fishing pier located on or adjacent to property within Town limits.
It is unlawful to dig into the sand on any part of the beach strand greater than 12 inches deep, without having a responsible person attending the area. Prior to leaving the area, any hole greater than 12 inches deep shall be filled to be level with the surrounding area, leaving the area in the same general condition in which it was found.
All unattended beach equipment must be removed from the beach by its owner or permitted user on a daily basis between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.
Boating and Fishing
If you fish in the surf, please be courteous to those swimming and relaxing nearby.
A North Carolina Coastal Recreational Fishing License is required. Licenses are available from any DMF office, WRC license agents (which includes most Wal-Mart stores), online at WRC's website, www.ncwildlife.org or by calling 888-248-6834.
You may not land your powered boat anywhere along the oceanfront. Sail boards and small sail boats may temporarily land along the beach. Be careful of swimmers.
Island-wide Ordinances
No Parking on Ocean Boulevard. Observe signs for exact parking spots. Do not block driveways or fire hydrants.
Bikes, roller-blades and pedestrians please share the sidewalk. No roller-blades on Ocean Boulevard.
FIREWORKS (except for sparklers) are not allowed on the island. They will be confiscated by the Police if found.
For the sake of the turtles, exterior lighting should be used sparingly. Also, use a red cloth over flashlights on the beach at night.