Reserve Safety

Extreme heat often results in the highest number of annual deaths among all weather-related hazards. In extreme heat, evaporation is slowed and the body must work extra hard to maintain a normal temperature. This can lead to death by overworking the human body. 

Remember:

• Extreme heat-related illnesses can occur quickly.
• Older adults, children, and those with medical conditions are at greater risk from extreme heat.
• Humidity increases the feeling of heat as measured by a heat index. 

Visiting Reserve Sites

When visiting reserve sites:

• Watch for heat illness.
• Wear light clothing.
• Check on the other people in your group.
• Drink plenty of fluids.
• Watch for heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke.
• Never leave people or pets in a car.
• Take extra breaks.

Know the Signs of Heat-Related Illness and How to Respond

Heat Cramps

Signs

• Muscle pains or spasms in the stomach, arms or legs

Actions

• Go to a cooler location.
• Remove excess clothing.
• Take sips of cool sports drinks with salt and sugar.
• Get medical help if the cramps last more than 1 hour.

Heat Exhaustion

Signs

• Heavy sweating
• Paleness
• Muscle cramps
• Tiredness
• Weakness
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Nausea or vomiting
• Fainting

Actions

• Go to an air-conditioned place or shaded area and lie down.
• Loosen or remove clothing.
• Take a cool bath.
• Take sips of cool sports drinks with salt and sugar.
• Get medical help if symptoms worsen or last more than 1 hour. 

Heat Stroke

Signs

• Extremely high body temperature (above 103 F taken orally)
• Red and hot skin
• Rapid, strong pulse
• Dizziness
• Confusion
• Unconsciousness

Actions

• Call 911 or get the person to a hospital immediately.
• Cool down with whatever methods are available until medical help arrives.

Many of the reserves offer great opportunities for swimming, and safety is essential for all ages when enjoying this activity. None of the reserve sites have lifeguards, so if you choose to swim, please be aware of the conditions and use the buddy system.

• Know your ability.
• Use the buddy system. Always swim with a buddy and have adult supervision for children.
• Pay close attention to children.
• Enter the water feet first.
• Dress appropriately for the activity you are taking part in.
• Know the various types of weather conditions and ocean currents:
  • NWS Wakefield – Currituck Banks Reserve
  • NWS Newport/Morehead City (Marine Forecast) – Rachel Carson Reserve
  • NWS Wilmington (Marine Forecast) – Permuda Island, Masonboro Island, Zeke's Island, and Bird Island Reserves
• Use U.S. Coast Guard-approved flotation vests if you are a weak swimmer.
• Avoid swimming where danger is present: in rough seas, in inlets, around piers and jetties, at night, or during thunderstorms or other extreme weather conditions.

Rip Currents

Before heading out to the beach, make sure you check the weather and ocean conditions for any hazards and do not swim when the risk of rip currents is high. 

Download information about rip currents as a printable PDF from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration:

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How To Spot Rip Currents

Rip currents are powerful currents of water flowing away from the shore, and they can be found at any beach where there are breaking waves. They are the deadliest and most common beach hazard in North Carolina. Rip currents do not pull people underwater, but someone caught in a rip current may panic or try to swim against the current leading to fatigue and drowning. Rip currents can occur even when the weather is nice and sunny, and the ocean is calm. 

They are often very subtle, but before you head out into the water, stand at an elevated position overlooking the beach. Watch the water and look for any differences in water color, motion, wave shape, or breaking point. You may see foam or debris moving steadily away from the shore or a break in the incoming wave pattern. Rip currents move away from the beach at a perpendicular or near-perpendicular angle to the shoreline. The National Weather Service website has some photos of what you may see. You can also watch this video: https://youtu.be/cCd3PaupiWQ.

 Knowing how to look for a rip current is an important first step, but sometimes, rip currents show no signs at all. 

What To Do When You Are Caught in a Rip

Watch: Rip Current Survival Guide

• Try not to panic. The rip current is not pulling you under, just pulling you away from shore.
• Do not swim against the current.
• You may be able to escape by swimming out of the current in a direction parallel to the shoreline and then toward the beach.
• If you are not a good swimmer, try to float or tread water. Focus your energy on trying to draw attention to yourself by yelling or waving for assistance. 

Every year, thousands of boating enthusiasts take to the waterways of North Carolina Coastal Reserve sites to fish, sail, water ski, and pursue other vessel-based recreation.

• Wear a lifejacket. In North Carolina, it is required for children younger than 13 years of age.
• Inexperienced paddlers should not stray far from shore.
• Paddlers should avoid motorboats and high-use areas.
• Return to shore immediately during lightning or thunderstorms.
• Take advantage of free boating safety courses.
• Pay attention to changes in the weather.

If you are paddling, be aware of what conditions are expected in the reserve. In areas of open ocean, paddling can be a high-risk activity that should not be undertaken alone or by any novice, first-time, or inexperienced ocean paddler. Check the safety guidance for any reserve site you plan to visit and experience through paddling. Make sure to choose a form of paddling that is appropriate for your experience level — open ocean versus sheltered bays or wetlands, guided versus unguided, and so on — so that you can have the best possible experience exploring the reserve. 

Boating Safety Seven

1. Wear your life jacket.
2. Take a boating safety class.
3. Carry all required safety gear.
4. Use your engine cut-off switch.
5. File a float plan.
6. Be aware of weather and water conditions.
7. Boat sober and be considerate of others.

Life Jackets

To choose the proper life jacket, make sure:

• It is a proper fit. A snug fit is a proper fit. For children, the sizes correspond to weight ranges. Do not use an adult life jacket for children.
• It is approved by the U.S. Coast Guard. Check the label.
• It is right for the activity you are choosing and the water conditions.
• You get one for your pet as well!
• It is in a good, serviceable condition and properly stowed away when not in use.
• Straps, buckles and zippers are secure and fastened.
• You are always wearing it. Accidents happen quickly, and there is no time to grab a jacket that has been stowed. 

Check out this infographic from the National Safe Boating Council to determine if you have the right life jacket:

North Carolina law requires children younger than 13 years of age to wear life vest when aboard an operating recreational vessel.

Did you know in 2022... 75% of all fatal boating accident victims drowned. Of these victims, 85% were not wearing a life jacket. Two out of three drowning victims were good swimmers.

Life jackets are for everyone, regardless of your age or swimming ability.

To make certain that the public is safe, responsible, and free to enjoy boating activities through the state, the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission enforces laws and regulations that all should observe.

North Carolina law requires: Any person born on or after January 1, 1988 must successfully complete a boating education course approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) before operating any vessel propelled by a motor of 10 horsepower or greater.

• All North Carolina Boating Regulations (NCWRC website)
• Boating Education Courses, including free online courses (NCWRC website)
• North Carolina Vessel Operator's Guide (NCWRC PDF)

Visit the National Safe Boating Council:

Safe Boating Campaign

According to the National Weather Service, it is best to go inside if a storm with lightning is approaching. If you cannot get inside, consider these tips:

Avoid open fields, the top of a hill or a ridge top.

Stay away from tall, isolated trees or other tall objects. If you are in a forest, stay near a lower stand of trees.

If you are in a group, spread out to avoid the current traveling between group members.

Stay away from water, wet items, such as ropes, and metal objects, such as fences and poles. Water and metal do not attract lightning but they are excellent conductors of electricity. The current from a lightning flash will easily travel for long distances.