Town of Southern Shores, NC

06/14/2026

Sunday, June 14 - LOW rip current risk for Southern Shore beaches today. Remember low risk does not mean no risk! While the risk for rip currents is low, life-threatening rip currents may still be present.

Ask a lifeguard if you have any questions - we have four stands plus ATVs and trucks roving until 6pm, our lifeguards are happy to help you.

Strongest rip currents often occur a couple hours either side of low tide, which is around 1pm today.

Always swim near a lifeguard. If help is needed, know your location and call 911. Enjoy the beach and stay safe.🌞

For more beach safety information, visit https://www.lovethebeachrespecttheocean.com

View daily Outer Banks beach conditions, find a lifeguard and listen to beach safety tips shared by OBX locals. Learn how to Love the Beach, Respect the Ocean.

06/12/2026

Construction Begins on Everyone’s Playground at Kitty Hawk Elementary School!

The Kitty Hawk Elementary School playground is closed to the public as construction begins on Everyone’s Playground.

Everyone’s Playground will be a fully accessible, inclusive playground designed for individuals of all abilities, creating a space where everyone can play, explore and connect at Kitty Hawk Elementary School.

This exciting project is the result of a community-wide effort made possible through the vision and support of numerous individuals, businesses, and community organizations, along with Everyone's Outer Banks, Inc. and Dare County Schools.

To learn more about Everyone’s Playground, visit: https://everyonesplaygroundobx.com

06/12/2026

Good morning Southern Shores! It is a LOW rip current risk for our ocean beaches today.

While the risk for rip currents is low, life-threatening rip currents may still be present. Remember LOW risk does not mean NO risk! Ask our lifeguards if you have any questions about rip tides or where to swim. They are happy to help you. We have four lifeguard stands plus a roving patrol from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.

Strongest rip currents often occur a couple hours either side of low tide, which is around 11:05 am today.

Expect mostly sunny skies today with a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Temperatures in the mid to upper 80s. Southwest winds at 10 to 15 mph. Surf height 1 to 3 feet. Water temperature at Duck Pier is 65, Jennettes Pier is 71.

Always swim near a lifeguard. If help is needed, know your location and call 911!

More beach safety information at:

View daily Outer Banks beach conditions, find a lifeguard and listen to beach safety tips shared by OBX locals. Learn how to Love the Beach, Respect the Ocean.

06/11/2026

Hazardous Weather Update - June 11, 2026
🌡️ Dangerous heat is forecast Thursday and Friday. A Heat Advisory is in place for portions of central NC from 11AM to 8PM tonight.

⛈️ Severe thunderstorms are possible in northern areas on Thursday before spreading across western and central NC on Friday.

🏠 Limit outdoor exposure and stay indoors if possible.
🥤 Drink plenty of water.
👕 Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing.

Full weather report: ReadyNC.gov/weather

06/11/2026

LOW rip current risk at all area beaches today! While the risk for rip currents is low from Duck to Ocracoke, life-threatening rip currents may still be present. Strongest rip currents often occur a couple hours either side of low tide, which occurs around 10:10 am today.

Remember LOW risk does not mean NO risk! Ask a lifeguard if you have any questions - we have four stands plus ATVs and trucks roving until 6pm, our lifeguards are happy to help you.

Expect mostly sunny to sunny skies today with temperatures in the mid to upper 80s. Southwest winds at 10 to 15 mph. Surf height 1 to 3 feet. Water temperature at Duck Pier is 67.

Always swim near a lifeguard. If help is needed, know your location and call 911. Enjoy the beach and stay safe.🌞

More at

View daily Outer Banks beach conditions, find a lifeguard and listen to beach safety tips shared by OBX locals. Learn how to Love the Beach, Respect the Ocean.

06/11/2026

Guess who's back? Sea turtle nesting season has arrived on the northern Outer Banks!

We currently have one protected sea turtle nest in Southern Shores (pictured below) thanks to N.E.S.T. (Network for Endangered Sea Turtles). If you're out enjoying the beach, keep an eye out for these marked nesting areas.

Sea turtle mamas do most of their work under the cover of darkness, and they need quiet, dark beaches to successfully nest. Bright lights, camera flashes, and getting too close can cause a turtle to turn around and head back to the ocean without laying her eggs.

If you spot a nesting sea turtle:

🐢 Give her plenty of space
🐢 Keep flashlights, phone lights, and camera flashes off
🐢 Stay quiet and enjoy the moment from a distance

Want to be a sea turtle hero? Turn off beachfront lights, fill in holes, remove beach gear, and take your trash with you when you leave.

Every successful nest helps these amazing animals continue their journey for generations to come. Thanks for doing your part to keep Southern Shores turtle-friendly!

N.E.S.T.'s conservation work from Nags Head to the Virginia state line is authorized by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (ES Permit ).

06/11/2026

What is a rip current?

Rip currents are powerful, channeled currents of water flowing away from shore. They typically extend from the shoreline, through the surf zone, and past the line of breaking waves. Rip currents can occur at any beach with breaking waves.

Certain wave, tide and beach shape conditions can increase rip currents to dangerous speeds. People get in trouble when they are moved so far offshore that they are unable to get back to the beach because of fear, panic, exhaustion, or inefficient swimming skills.

Lifeguards are trained to identify these hazards. Always swim at a lifeguarded beach and ask a lifeguard about the conditions before entering the water. Our lifeguards are on duty from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and are always happy to answer questions and help you make informed decisions before entering the water.

Have a safe and enjoyable day at the beach, and for more information and daily beach conditions visit: https://www.lovethebeachrespecttheocean.com/

06/10/2026

Today is a YELLOW FLAG day in Southern Shores, with a moderate rip current risk in effect for the ocean beaches. Only experienced surf swimmers who know how to escape a rip current should enter the water. Ask our lifeguards if you have any questions, they are always happy to help.

Lifeguard stands are at:

• Hillcrest Drive
• Chicahauk Trail
• E. Dogwood Trail
• 142 Ocean Blvd

ATVs and trucks will be patrolling all Town of Southern Shores beaches through October 31st.

Remember:
📍 Know your location
☀️ Wear sun protection
💧 Stay hydrated
🐕 Dogs are not permitted on the beach between 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.

Not sure what the flags mean? Watch the Beach Warning Flag information video at www.lovethebeachrespecttheocean.com to learn what the flags mean and how to stay safe on the beach this summer.

06/10/2026

06/10/2026

On the beach, everything looks similar - but in an emergency knowing your location can save valuable time.

911 dispatchers can’t immediately locate you when you call from a cell phone, so be prepared to provide as much information as possible.

✔️ If you're vacationing, know the street address of your accommodations - not the house name.

✔️ Pay attention to the street you used to access the beach, the nearest beach access, or the closest milepost.

✔️ If possible, send someone to meet first responders at the nearest access point to help them find you quickly.

Every second counts in an emergency. Knowing where you are can help emergency responders get to you faster. Enjoy your summer, and thank you for helping keep our beaches safe for everyone.

For more information on beach safety and daily conditions, visit https://www.lovethebeachrespecttheocean.com/