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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 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 mapThe 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 mapSouthern 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 mapKitty 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 mapThe 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 mapThe 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 mapThis 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 Cape Hatteras Lighthouse Beach
8 Cape Hatteras Lighthouse Beach
Outer BanksSee on mapLocated 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 mapLocated 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 Day Use Beach
10 Ocracoke Day Use Beach
Outer BanksSee on mapThis 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 mapLifeguards 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 mapAtlantic 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 mapLifeguards are on duty daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. from late May through early September at the western and eastern beach access points.
14 Hammocks Beach State Park
14 Hammocks Beach State Park
Topsail areaSee on mapLifeguards are on duty most days in the designated swimming area from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Memorial Day through Labor Day.
15 Wrightsville Beach
15 Wrightsville Beach
Wilmington areaSee on mapThe town of Wrightsville Beach staffs 13 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.
16 Carolina Beach
16 Carolina Beach
Wilmington areaSee on mapFrom 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.
17 Kure Beach
17 Kure Beach
Wilmington areaSee on mapEach 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.
18 Fort Fisher State Recreation Area
18 Fort Fisher State Recreation Area
Wilmington areaSee on mapLifeguard service is provided daily in a designated swim area, Memorial Day through Labor Day from 10 a.m. to 5:45 p.m.
