Hatteras Village Beach Information
There are many wonderful ways to enjoy a day on the beach! Including surf fishing, kite flying, walking, camping, buiding sand castles, surfing, kite boarding, sailboarding, roasting marshmallows, photography, and shelling. Here is some helpful information to help keep your stay in Hatteras Village both fun and Safe!
Shelling
The coast of North Carolina is a wonderful place to go shelling, especially after high tide or a storm. Please keep only empty shells. The North Carolina Shell Club is great resource for shell collecting!
If you happen to find something that looks simular to the picture don't be tempted to bring it home with you. They are sometimes called a mermaid purse but they are actually the eggs of stingrays, skates and sharks. Just like ckicken eggs they will rot and smell unbelievably bad if you remove them from the ocean. Live starfish will a also smell horrendous as they dryout. Please don't bring them home!
Public Beach Access, Sound Access and Driving on the Beach
Be sure to get a Cape Hatteras National Seashore ORV Permit before driving on the beach. Currently they are only available for purchase online. If you haven't driven on the beach before check out this article on how to prevent your tires from getting stuck in the sand. Pole road right next to Ramp 55 is only assessable with 4 wheel drive vehicles so it is literally a beach "road". DO NOT USE POLE ROAD unless you are used to driving in sand.
Cape Hatteras National Seashore ORV Ramp 55 - Beach Access - Parking
Do not pick sea oats!
North Carolina General Statute §14-129.2 states that it is unlawful to dig up, pull up, or take from the land of another entity or from any public domain the whole or any part of any Sea Oats without the consent of the owner of that land. Any person convicted of violating the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a class 3 misdemeanor and shall be punished by a fine of not less than twenty‑five dollars ($25.00) nor more than two hundred dollars ($200.00) for each offense.
The reason for this law is that sea oats have massive root systems that help protect the dunes from wind and water erosion. This helps keep the sand on the dunes and not covering Highway 12. Highway 12 is the main road on Hatteras Island which means if its closed its very difficult to get off the island.
NPS Regulations and Permits
Cape Hatteras National Seashore has many different types of permits. Make sure to plan ahead! Some types of photography and filming (this will normally only apply to things like photo shoots, movie filming, or photography workshops), Off Road Vehicle Permits, Beach fire permits, all weddings and paid portrait photographers must have permits. Click here to read more about how and what type of permits you might need.
Hatteras Village Safety Recourses
The Hatteras National Seashore Facebook Page is a great way to stay up to date on what's happening on the beaches.
Cape Hatteras National Seashore Beach Alerts & Conditions
Important Phone Numbers
National Park Service (Hatteras District Rangers- Phone 252-995-5044)
National Park Service (Hatteras Visitor Center - Phone 252-995-4474)
United States Coast Guard Hatteras (Phone 252-441-0300)
Dare County Sheriff Department (Emergencies 911 or non-emergencies 252-475-9350)
Rip Current
The weather on the Outer Banks can change rapidly and unpredictably. Regardless of the conditions, when you're at the beach there’s a possibility of encountering a rip current. We want all beachgoers to be able to identify a rip current and know the proper way to respond if they accidentally find themselves in one.
Do not swim against the outflow of a rip current! Instead, swim parallel to the shore until you’re free, or just float while calling for help.
The key is to stay afloat where rescuers can spot you. Avoid exhausting yourself. Overexerting while trying to reach the shore can increase your risk of drowning.
If you see someone in a rip current DO NOT swim out to help them! DO try to throw them flotation device, tell them you can see them and to float if they're tired or to try swimming parallel to the beach and that you're working to get help. If a lifeguard is not present call 9-1-1. Read More
Heat Exhaustion vs Heat stroke
To ensure you enjoy a fantastic vacation, keep these tips in mind: stay hydrated, plan your beach activities for the cooler parts of the day, utilize a beach tent or umbrella, and most importantly, wear sunscreen. Nobody wants to return from vacation looking like a lobster with peeling skin! Always pack shoes for the beach, as the sand can become hot enough to burn your feet, and sharp shells may cause injury.
Be aware that heat exhaustion and heat stroke are serious risks, particularly for older adults and children. Kids can be so caught up in their fun that they may overlook the warning signs. Make it a point to check on your children regularly, ensuring they stay hydrated and don’t overheat.
Heat cramps can occur when you're dehydrated or as a precursor to heat exhaustion. Pay attention to your body; if you start feeling cramps, seek shade, drink cool water or sports drinks, and gently massage or stretch the cramped muscle.
Heat Exhaustion
If left untreated Heat Exhaustion can lead to Heat Stroke
Symptoms
- Heavy sweating
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Fast or weak pulse
- Rapid breathing
- Thirst
- Irritability
- Weakness
First AID
- Stop all activity and rest
- Move to a cooler environment
- Loosen or remove clothing
- Use any available means to cool your body
- Drink cool water or sports drinks
- Lie down with your legs elevated
- Contact a doctor if your symptoms get worse or they don't improve within one hour
Heat Stroke
DO NOT delay treatment it can cause serious complications and even death
Symptoms
- Hot dry or red skin
- Confusion, slurred speech, changes in behavior
- Throbbing Head ache
- Loss of consciousness
- Fast, strong pulse
- Nausea or vomiting
- Rapid breathing
- Body temperature of 104 degrees or higher
- Rarely can cause seizures
First AID
Call 911 immediately
- Move to a cooler place
- Remove outer clothes
- Cool the person with whatever means available
- DO NOT drink anything! People with heat stroke are at risk of inhaling fluids. Paramedics will administer IV fluids.
- Begin CPR if the person loses consciousness and shows no signs of circulation, such as breathing, coughing or movement.
