News Release

Cape Hatteras National Seashore advises no swimming or wading along beach from Old Lighthouse Beach to off-road vehicle ramp 43

Photo of a petroleum sheen at the Buxton Formerly Used Defense Site.

NPS

News Release Date: August 3, 2025

Contact: Mike Barber, 252-475-9032

MANTEO, N.C. — As a precaution, visitors should not swim or wade in the water at Cape Hatteras National Seashore from Old Lighthouse Beach to the northern boundary of Ramp 43.

This advisory is a result of petroleum odors and sheens coming from the Buxton Formerly Used Defense Site.This advisory is in addition to a previously closed section of beach at the southern boundary of the Village of Buxton that extends to the southernmost groin (jetty) at Old Lighthouse Beach.

Check for updates at http://go.nps.gov/buxtonbeach.