News Release

Cape Hatteras National Seashore Continues to Urge Visitors to Use Caution When Attempting to Access Sandbar Near Cape Point

Date: September 1, 2017
Contact: Michael Barber, 252-475-9032

Cape Hatteras National Seashore continues to urge visitors to use caution and to be mindful of tides when attempting to access the sandbar, commonly referred to as Shelly Island, near the tip of Cape Point in Buxton, North Carolina. Due to larger swells, higher tides, and increased rip current threats from recent weather events, there have been ocean rescues and swimmers in distress between Cape Point and the sandbar.

The Cape Point area is a highly dynamic location that is constantly changing through both erosion and accretion of sand. If attempting to reach the sandbar near Cape Point, visitors should be aware that the ocean water level is no longer ankle deep at low tide. At high tide, appropriate flotation is needed to safely cross the channel between Cape Point and the sandbar. Currents in the channel can be strong; therefore, Cape Hatteras National Seashore does not recommend that visitors swim or wade through it.


Channel between sandbar and Cape Point at low tide on August 31, 2017 (NPS Photo)


Channel between sandbar and Cape Point at high tide on August 31, 2017 (NPS Photo)


View of sandbar from Cape Point at low tide on August 31, 2017 (NPS Photo)


View of sandbar from Cape Point at high tide on August 31, 2017 (NPS Photo)