Are There Lifeguards on the 4x4 Beach?

We get this question a lot. While most beaches are staffed with visible lifeguards, what makes the Northern Outer Banks beach special in its seclusion also places more responsibility on beachgoers to ensure their own safety. That said, Corolla Beach Rescue does actively patrol the North Beach during the summer season and responds to emergencies year-round through the 911 system.

We asked Matt Hewes, Chief Information Officer, Corolla Beach Rescue to share how their team protects this unique shoreline, along with important safety reminders every beach goer should know.

What is the role of Ocean Rescue on the 4x4 beaches?

Corolla Beach Rescue provides two roving patrols on North Beach (from the fence north to the Virginia state line) daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., beginning the Saturday before Memorial Day through Labor Day. Outside of these dates and hours, beach emergencies on North Beach are handled through the 911 dispatch system on a 24/7 basis.

We also post warning flags on flagpoles beginning the Saturday before Memorial Day through Labor Day. Because North Beach stretches approximately 12 miles, and depending on beach conditions, it may take several hours to fully post flags along the entire beach. In addition, flag theft is a common problem, and missing flags may go unnoticed for several hours. This can also occur on the south beach, so we encourage everyone to check the daily flag status on the Corolla Beach Rescue website no earlier than 9:30 a.m. If any flag warning is in effect, a fixed banner will be displayed at the top of the homepage.

How do you patrol the 12-mile stretch of beach?

Patrolling North Beach usually involves splitting the area in half around the 18–19 milepost. One patrol covers the northern section, while the other covers the southern section.

At times, both patrols may be co-located near the North Beach midpoint. In the event of an emergency, both units would respond to the same location, and additional units from the south beach may also be dispatched, depending on the situation.

Can you share some statistics?

We track beach attendance by conducting a daily visitor count during the busiest part of the day, usually between noon and 2:00 p.m.

In 2025, total beach attendance from the Saturday before Memorial Day through Labor Day was 176,614, with 3 rescues recorded during the season.

In 2024, the numbers were very similar: attendance was 172,902, with 3 rescues.

The last fatality I am aware of was the lightning strike that occurred several years ago.

What are some general safety tips for our beachgoers?

Much can be said about rip currents. Other terms such as riptide and undertow are often used, but to promote consistency in public awareness and education, the correct term is rip current.

The Corolla Beach Rescue website includes an informational slideshow on rip current awareness and education, along with links to Safe Corolla, the Currituck County beach safety portal, and National Weather Service resources.

Since North Beach has no fixed lifeguard towers, anyone needing lifeguard assistance should call 911. Response times can vary significantly depending on conditions, but the average response time for North Beach calls is between 5 and 10 minutes.

One important piece of advice for North Beach visitors is to keep an eye on the weather. Most thunderstorms and lightning approach from the west, while most beachgoers are facing east toward the ocean. Severe weather can develop with little warning. If you hear thunder or see lightning, immediately leave the water and open beach. Seek shelter in a vehicle or fully enclosed building. Avoid tents, picnic shelters, and trees. Wait at least 30 minutes after the last sound of thunder before resuming beach activities.

Another important caution is offshore winds. These winds blow from the land toward the ocean and away from the beach. Rafts and floats can be swept out faster than many people realize, and the strength of offshore winds increases significantly over open water.

While the wind may seem manageable while standing on the beach, dunes and homes can block much of its force. Once out on the water, that protection disappears, making conditions much more dangerous.

Behind the scenes and on the sand, Corolla Beach Rescue plays an important role in protecting North Beach. Our thanks to Matt Hewes and the entire team for their service. Check out their website for more information and remember in the case of an emergency call 911.