Beach Transport Following Stingray Bite
At 12:15 PM, while already responding to a call for service on the west end of Oak Island, Oak Island Water Rescue was dispatched to assist Oak Island Fire Department and Brunswick County EMS with transporting a patient with lacerations to his foot off the beach near SE 79th Street. Truck 4482 responded as quickly […]
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2 Juveniles Too Far Out on Paddleboards
Oak Island Water Rescue, Oak Island Police Department, and Oak Island Fire Department were dispatched to 33rd Place West at 11:45 AM in reference to two teenage boys being out too far on stand-up paddleboards. Their parents were concerned they may not have been able to get back to shore. We responded with 2 trucks […]
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Predicting Rip Currents?
Is it possible to predict when and where rip currents are likely to form? Currently, the answer is “No, but we may be getting there….”. UNC TV recently ran a great story on teams that are doing research that is very promising in this field, right here in North Carolina. Please check out the story […]
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Medical Transport
At 11:30 pm last night, Oak Island Water Rescue was dispatched to assist Oak Island Fire Department, Oak Island Police Department, and Brunswick County EMS with transporting a medical emergency patient off the beach. Transporting medical patients from the beach to the awaiting ambulance is one of the missions Oak Island Water Rescue is tasked […]
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Hurricanes May Increase Risk to Swimmers
WWAY has an interesting report that may help to explain why we have seen an increase in rip current fatalities in the area. Fortunately, we have had none this year on Oak Island, but other beaches in the area have not been so lucky. Read this story to learn more about how shifting sands from […]
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Moderate Risk of Rip Currents Today
Although the surf height is only predicted to be 2’, we are YELLOW today for a Moderate Rip Current Risk. Low tide today will occur at 12:15. Remember that rips are more common a few hours before and after low tide. The latest information on the recent adult and child rip current drownings in Atlantic […]
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Man and Boy Die After Atlantic Beach Rescue
Two more NC rip current drownings north of our area. Rip currents are more commonly found adjacent to piers and these drownings occurred two hours after low tide. Rip currents are more common a few hours before and after low tide. Sadly, this fits the somewhat predictable pattern of rip current drownings. In this case, […]
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Two Boats Capsize Off Topsail Beach
Take a look at this interesting story about a boat being overturned by a “rogue wave” while coming into an inlet. Although this didn’t occur at either of the two inlets that bracket Oak Island, it provides an opportunity to point out issues of safe boating. No need to wait until it’s one of our […]
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Longshore Currents Today
Heading to the beach today? Be aware that we are under a NWS Beach Hazards Statement for strong longshore currents, flowing from West to East. Longshore currents are dangerous because these strong currents, which flow parallel to the beach, are feeder currents which can pull you into a rip current. If you notice yourself being […]
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