Can you swim in the ocean at the Outer Banks?

Regardless of where your family stays on the Outer Banks, a refreshing swim is literally just around the corner. Accomplished swimmers will love challenging themselves with mile-long swims along the ocean shoreline, and young ones can join in the fun in the calm waters of the Outer Banks' five saltwater sounds.



People Also Ask

Rip Currents on the Outer Banks Seaward currents, also called rip currents or rip tides, are created by breaks in the sand bar off shore and are very dangerous. Rip currents are channels of water flowing away from the shore and will pull a swimmer out from shore.

MORE DETAILS

The warmest water temperature is in August with an average around 81.7°F / 27.6°C. The coldest month is February with an average water temperature of 53.2°F / 11.8°C.

MORE DETAILS

Some areas of the Outer Banks have fixed lifeguard stands, while others only offer roving patrols. It is always safest to swim near a fixed lifeguard station - particularly if you have children. Lifeguards are generally on duty between Memorial Day and Labor Day weekend.

MORE DETAILS

The moon's gravitational pull, the Earth's rotation, and temperature changes between the equator and the poles keeps these waters constantly churning. The area off the Outer Banks is especially turbulent because of how the Gulf Stream collides with colder waters flowing down from the Arctic.

MORE DETAILS

Is alcohol allowed on the beach? It is legal to drink alcohol on Outer Banks beaches, however, there are a few laws in place to ensure your safety as well as the safety of other beach-goers.

MORE DETAILS

The Outer Banks are a series of barrier islands made up entirely of sand (undersea sand bars). The Outer Banks covers approximately half the northern North Carolina coastline separating the Currituck Sound, Albemarle Sound, Roanoke Sound, Croatan Sound and Pamlico Sound from the Atlantic Ocean.

MORE DETAILS