Your Safety is Your Responsibility

Cape Lookout National Seashore's remoteness present challenges and hazards to the inexperienced or ill-prepared. The best, safest, and most enjoyable trips to the seashore include good planning and preparation. As you plan your trip, use this guide to help prepare, learn what how to take responsibility for your safety.

 

 

U.S. Park Ranger on patrol on South Core Banks.

NPS Photo/ S.Godin

Know Before You Go

Emergenies

Limited emergecny services are avaiable throughout the park. Emergency response and evactuations can take time because of the complexitiy of the enviroment. In the case of Emergency dial 911.

• Please be aware that there are no lifeguards on any of the beaches at Cape Lookout National Seashore. Swim at your own risk.
• Before heading out to kayak or canoe, we recomend filing a float plan with the Coast Guard. We also recommend sending your information to a friend or a loved one.
• Non-Emergency Law Enforcement: [phone]

 

Costly Outcome: Cape Point

Cape Point is an exposed shoal past the park service boundary markers. This area consists of soft, often wet, and deep sand. 4x4 vehicles will get stuck in this area. If you decide to travel in this region, stay above the high tide line at all times (even while parked). If you get stuck the tide will total your vehicle. Tow truck response times from the mainland vary, but in general the tow truck will arrive the following day. 

In addition to the risk of entrapment, the waters south of Cape Lookout can be incredibly dangerous due to shifting and converging currents. Getting caught by a rising tide while traveling on foot through this narrow band of sand could quickly sweep someone off their feet and out to sea. The exposed shoal is outside of Cape Lookout National Seashore's jurisdiction.

Reccomended equitment: 

• 4 Wheel Drive or All Wheel Drive vehcile 

• Shovel: Heavy-duty shovel equal to a military folding shovel

• Towing Device: Any of the following which are at least 14 feet long:
  Tow Strap: 1.5"; Rope: 3/4"; Chain 5/16"; Cable 1/4". 

• Jack: Standard size (e.g., vehicle manufacturer's jack)

• Jack Support Board: Wood: 10" x 12" x 1.5" or Plywood: 10" x 12" x 3/4"

• Tire Pressure Gauge: Must register to 5 p.s.i. or lower

• Spare Tire

Drinking Water

Portable Water
Portable water is avaiable at the Harkers Island Visitor Center all year round. From Mid march to beginning of November, portable water is available at the Light Station Visitor Center, Great Island Cabin Camp, and on the backroad of South Core Banks. North Core Banks and Shackleford Banks do not have portable water. 

Rip Currents

Rip currents—commonly called rip tides and incorrectly called undertows—are strong, narrow, river-like currents that are moving away from the shore. If you are caught in a rip current, do not panic. The current will pull you out into deeper water, but it will not pull you under.

The best way to escape is to wade or swim parallel to the beach until you are out of the current. Then, when free, wade or swim back towards shore at an angle from the current. Do not attempt to swim directly against the current as you will only exhaust yourself.

If you see someone else caught in a rip current, don't become a victim, too. Call 911. Send someone to the visitor center, cabin office, or other area where rangers and volunteers can be found. Throw the rip current victim something that floats—a lifejacket, a cooler, an inflatable ball. Yell instructions on how to escape.

 

 

A kayaker wears their personal flotation device (PFD) while kayaking at Cape Lookout National Seashore

NPS Photo/K. Altman

Play It Safe

• Make a Conservative Trip Plan. Plan your adventure with the least experienced person in mind.
• Watch the Weather. The National Park Service monitors all tropical cyclones and potential cyclones in the Atlantic throughout hurricane season (June 1st to November 30th). In the event that the park determines that the seashore will be closed due to the threat of such a storm, rangers will notify ferry operators, cabin renters, and beachgoers in a timely manner.
• Stay Hydrated. Drink upon waking, along your route, and at your destination. Water is life.
• Self Rescue = Best Rescue. Self-reliance is the only immediate option in an emergency. Park response is limited. Are there others nearby who can assist or go for help?

 

If you get lost while exploring the east end of Shackleford Banks, head towards the lighthouse.

NPS Photo/S.Godin

Protect Your Park

Help Keep Cape Lookout Pristine

• Human Waste Disposal: Bathrooms are limited along the seashore. Never defecate within 100' (at least 50 steps) of ponds, puddles, or campsites. In areas without bathrooms, dig a cathole 6" to 8" deep; after use, cover with sand. Urinate away from water sources and campsites.
• Leave What You Find: Removing, possessing, or disturbing park resources is prohibited. Bones, sea turtle shells, and cultural or archeological objects must be left where found. Visitors are allowed to take a 5 gallon bucket per person per day worth of uninhabited shells.
• Be Safe With Fire: Open campfires can only be built below the high tide line (in damp sand) and be no wider than 3 feet in diameter. Bonfires are not allowed. Remember that you are the fire department when you are on the island, and you are responsible for the actions of your fire.
• Park Regulations: See a full list of park laws and policies.