Local funding helps keep lifeguards on Hatteras beaches
Funding from the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau and Hyde County will allow the National Park Service to staff the Cape Hatteras National Seashore beaches with lifeguards this summer, officials said Friday.
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The Park Service had planned to reduce lifeguard coverage at Ocracoke, Buxton and Coquina beaches because of federal budget cuts.
Fifteen lifeguards watched over the three beaches in the Cape Hatteras National Seashore last year and were credited with 49 rescues, according to Park Service data. There wasn't a single drowning within the guarded beach areas, which saw more than 31,800 visitors between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
"Family vacations are special times, and we hope visitors will find a quiet, relaxing opportunity to enjoy the ocean and beach environment under the watchful eye of skilled and dedicated lifeguards,” National Seashore Superintendent Barclay Trimble said in a statement.
Lifeguards will be at their posts on the three beaches from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. from May 24, the Saturday before Memorial Day, until Labor Day, Sept. 1.
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