WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH, N.C. (WECT) – After Labor Day not every stand at Wrightsville Beach will have a lifeguard, and ocean rescue is asking all swimmers to use caution when getting in the water.
In southeastern North Carolina, ocean rescue crews are on watch from Memorial Day through Labor Day. However, even after the summer holidays many people still choose to head out into the water.
“People don’t stop coming to the beach just because it’s Labor Day. Obviously the weather can be extremely nice throughout the fall, so it’s important for us to continue to patrol and keep people safe,” said Wrightsville Beach, Ocean Rescue Captain Sam Proffitt.
Proffitt says during peak beach season, 14 lifeguards are normally on stands at Wrightsville Beach. After Labor Day, six lifeguards will be working.
Lifeguards will be at stands 1, 3, 7, 9, 12, 13 and 14, after Labor Day, according to Proffitt.
Lifeguards will also still be out on patrol, and Profitt says they plan to have some coverage until at least the end of October depending on how the season looks.
Proffitt says a good way to check if a lifeguard is on duty is by seeing if a flag is up at the station. If a flag is flying that means there is a lifeguard in the stand. He says it’s also important to note what color flag is flying. A red flag means there is a high chance of rip currents and swimmers should not get in the water.
Beachgoers can also call the fire station or check Wrightsville Beach Ocean Rescue’s social media for flag information.
Proffitt says although red flag days are dangerous, people should always watch out for rip currents no matter what color flag is flying because they can happen at any time.
“Statistically speaking more drownings occur on green and yellow flag days than they do on red flag days, so again if you are going to come to the beach always be cautious and if you do get in the water make sure you take some form of flotation with you.”
More information about how to escape a rip current can be found here.
Proffitt says beachgoers should also be mindful of storms. Even if a storm is not directly hitting the area, the impacts of the storm can still be felt in the water.
“As storms start to approach and become closer, it gets extremely dangerous out here,” said Proffitt.
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