North Carolina Beaches with Lifeguard Stands

Millions of travelers visit North Carolina’s 320-mile coastline each year for diverse experiences on two national seashores, three state parks, undeveloped islands and hospitable beach towns.

For travelers who prefer swimming on beaches with lifeguard stations, here’s a list of destinations with lifeguard stands. Note that mobile patrols supplement efforts at most of these destinations and also at beaches without lifeguard stands. For daily information on beach conditions and beach safety, check with the destination you plan to visit.

1 Currituck County Beaches

1 Currituck County Beaches

Northern Outer BanksSee on mapSee on map

In the Corolla area, lifeguard stations are staffed daily from Memorial Day weekend until Labor Day from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

2 Duck

2 Duck

Outer BanksSee on mapSee on map

The town of Duck maintains lifeguard stations daily from May 1 to Oct. 31 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

3 Southern Shores

3 Southern Shores

Outer BanksSee on mapSee on map

Southern Shores staffs lifeguard stations daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Hillcrest Drive and Chicahauk Trail from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, and at East Dogwood Trail and 142 Ocean Boulevard from mid-June through mid-August.

4 Kitty Hawk

4 Kitty Hawk

Outer BanksSee on mapSee on map

Kitty Hawk staffs fixed lifeguard stands daily at Byrd Street, Eckner Street, Lillian Street and the Kitty Hawk Bath House accesses from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

5 Kill Devil Hills

5 Kill Devil Hills

Outer BanksSee on mapSee on map

The town of Kill Devil Hills staffs about 20 lifeguard stands daily between Helga Street and Eighth Street from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Memorial Day through Labor Day.

6 Nags Head

6 Nags Head

Outer BanksSee on mapSee on map

The town of Nags Head operates more than 15 lifeguard stations daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Memorial Day through Labor Day weekend.

7 Coquina Beach

7 Coquina Beach

Outer BanksSee on mapSee on map

This Cape Hatteras National Seashore beach, located across from Bodie Island Lighthouse, is staffed with lifeguards daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend.

8 Old Lighthouse Beach

8 Old Lighthouse Beach

Outer BanksSee on mapSee on map

Located just north of the lighthouse, this Cape Hatteras National Seashore beach is staffed with lifeguards daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend.

9 Frisco Beach

9 Frisco Beach

Outer BanksSee on mapSee on map

Located in southern Hatteras Island, this Cape Hatteras National Seashore beach is staffed with lifeguards daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend.

10 Ocracoke Beach

10 Ocracoke Beach

Outer BanksSee on mapSee on map

This Cape Hatteras National Seashore beach, located a half-mile north of Ocracoke Village, is staffed with lifeguards daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend.

11 Fort Macon State Park

11 Fort Macon State Park

Crystal CoastSee on mapSee on map

Lifeguards are on duty daily from 10 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. Memorial Day through Labor Day.

12 Atlantic Beach

12 Atlantic Beach

Crystal CoastSee on mapSee on map

Atlantic Beach staffs lifeguard stands daily in front of Atlantic Boulevard from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Memorial Day until mid-August.

13 Emerald Isle

13 Emerald Isle

Crystal CoastSee on mapSee on map

Lifeguards are on duty daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. from April through September at the western and eastern beach access points.

14 Wrightsville Beach

14 Wrightsville Beach

Wilmington areaSee on mapSee on map

The town of Wrightsville Beach staffs about a dozen lifeguard stands daily from just south of Shell Island Resort to Albright Street from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

15 Carolina Beach

15 Carolina Beach

Wilmington areaSee on mapSee on map

From Memorial Day to Labor Day, the town of Carolina Beach staffs lifeguard stations along 3 miles of beach Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Friday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

16 Kure Beach

16 Kure Beach

Wilmington areaSee on mapSee on map

Each day from Memorial Day through Labor Day, between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., the town of Kure Beach maintains lifeguard stations that cover the beach from north to south.

17 Fort Fisher State Recreation Area

17 Fort Fisher State Recreation Area

Wilmington areaSee on mapSee on map

Lifeguard service is provided daily in a designated swim area, Memorial Day through Labor Day from 10 a.m. to 5:45 p.m.

 

Updated June 18, 2024
Top of Page