An important service of the Atlantic Beach Fire Department is our seasonal Lifeguard program. During our peak summer season from Memorial Day to mid-August, our Lifeguards provide protection from our strong currents and surf conditions from 9:00 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. Our Lifeguards are specially trained in Ocean/Surf Rescue, basic CPR, and First Aid and work jointly with our Fire Department personnel to keep our waters and beaches safe.
Lifeguard stands are located in front of Atlantic Blvd. along our main Circle Public Beach Access and boardwalk. Beach visitors are encouraged to swim in the guarded area for their safety as there are no Lifeguards East or West of this area. Fire and EMS personnel respond on call to the un-guarded areas of the beach which may present potential delays due to distance, heavy beach attendance, soft sand conditions, or extreme high tides. Swimming at our guarded beach strand provides immediate assistance from our Lifeguards, rapid response for emergency personnel, and easier access for emergency vehicles.
ROAMING LIFEGUARDS
From Memorial weekend to mid-August, the Atlantic Beach Fire Department will be providing two roaming lifeguards on a UTV (provided in 2017 as a donation from the Atlantic Beach King Mackerel Fishing Tournament proceeds) on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays from 10:00 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. for peak beach visitor hours. These lifeguards will be patrolling areas East and West of the main guarded beach strand (the Circle beach access) to monitor dangerous surf conditions, provide education and first aid, and maintain our beach access flag notification system. This program will supplement Fire Department beach responses in order to better serve our beach patrons and enhance response times to un-guarded areas of the beach strand for a safer and more enjoyable Atlantic Beach experience.
RIP CURRENT AND SURF UPDATES
Rip Currents can be a clear and present danger when entering the ocean. Simple actions like staying out of deeper water during elevated rip conditions, always swimming within Lifeguard areas, using flotation devices, and swimming with a buddy can save your life. During summer vacations, many tourists and visitors are unfamiliar with the Rip Current danger, so spreading the word can help reduce loss of life. For safety resources and current surf and rip current forecasts, please visit www.weather.gov/ripcurrent.
CIRCLE BEACH WARNING FLAGS
Please remember the ocean is a changing environment that can pose a danger to you and your family. Be aware of the potential hazards, follow Lifeguards’ recommendations, and use good judgment when enjoying our finest natural resource. Visitors should watch the Lifeguard stands for warning flags indicating current surf conditions.
Note: The Absence of Flags Does Not Assure Safe Waters. Use Caution and Good Judgment.
NON-GUARDED BEACH ACCESS WARNING FLAGS
Areas of the Beach Strand outside of the protected Circle Beach Access Lifeguard Zone do not have Lifeguards stations or patrols. There are approximately 20 public beach access walkways along the beach. Warning signs and flags are posted on the ocean side of these accesses using a two-flag warning system. These flags may change throughout the day as surf and current conditions warrant. If conditions are calm, no flags will be posted in these areas. However, the absence of flags does not assure safe conditions so caution and good judgment should be used.
Junior Lifeguard Program
With increased immunizations and the downward trends in Covid19 cases, we continue to be very optimistic in safely moving forward with our Summer 2021 Junior Lifeguard Program. We understand that summer planning has been frustrating and we appreciate your patience. While we continue to monitor the state of the pandemic and the Governor’s executive orders, the safety of our children and staff remains our top priority. At this time, the option of moving forward with our JLG Program is looking favorable. We will announce a final decision on whether or not we will proceed by April 1.
If the decision is made to proceed, ONLINE REGISTRATION will be available starting at 8 a.m. on Monday, April 12. JLG Camp dates will be held as follows:
June 7-11: Session 1 (9-12 y/o)
June 21-25: Session 2 (9-12y/o)
July 12-16: Session 3 (13-17y/o)
Educational Bulletins – Ocean and Beach Safety
Employment Opportunities – Job Postings
The Town of Atlantic Beach accepts applications in April and May for the summer Ocean Rescue Lifeguard positions. If you are at least 18 years old, possess strong swimming skills, and are looking for an exciting and rewarding summer job… this is it!
This seasonal position offers an opportunity to save lives, challenge yourself, and form relationships that can last a lifetime. Successful candidates will demonstrate strong swimming skills, excellent physical fitness, dependability, responsibility, and the ability to interact with the public. Both full time seasonal and part time seasonal positions are available each summer. Town application to be completed online at www.atlanticbeach-nc.com. EOE/ADA
