Park Safety and Respect

Every year, thousands of boating enthusiasts take to the waterways of North Carolina to fish, sail, water ski, and pursue other vessel-based recreation.

• Wear a lifejacket. In North Carolina, it is required for children younger than 13 years of age.
• Inexperienced paddlers should not stray far from shore.
• Paddlers should avoid motorboats and high-use areas.
• Stay out of designated swimming areas.
• Return to shore immediately during lightning or thunderstorms.
• Take advantage of free boating safety courses.
• Pay attention to changes in the weather.

If you are paddling, be aware of what conditions are expected in the park. In areas of open ocean, paddling can be a high-risk activity that should not be undertaken alone or by any novice, first-time, or inexperienced ocean paddler. Check the safety rules for any state park site you plan to visit and experience through paddling. Make sure to choose a form of paddling that is appropriate for your experience level — open ocean versus sheltered bays or wetlands, guided versus unguided, and so on — so that you can have the best possible experience exploring your state parks.

Boating Safety Seven

1. Wear your life jacket.
2. Take a boating safety class.
3. Carry all required safety gear.
4. Use your engine cut-off switch.
5. File a float plan.
6. Be aware of weather and water conditions:
   • NWS Wakefield – Dismal Swamp, Merchants Millpond
   • NWS Newport/Morehead City (Marine Forecast) – Fort Macon, Goose Creek, Hammocks Beach, Jockey's Ridge, Pettigrew
   • NWS Wilmington (Marine Forecast) – Carolina Beach, Fort Fisher, Jones Lake, Lake Waccamaw, Lumber River, Singletary Lake
   • NWS Raleigh – Cliffs of the Neuse, Eno River, Falls Lake, Jordan Lake, Kerr Lake, Medoc Mountain, Morrow Mountain, Raven Rock, William B. Umstead
   • NWS Blacksburg – Hanging Rock, Mayo River, New River, Pilot Mountain
   • NWS Greenville-Spartanburg – Crowders Mountain, Lake James, Lake Norman, South Mountains
7. Boat sober, and be considerate of others.

 "The Best Life Jacket" video made by National Safe Boating Campaign

Life Jackets

To choose the proper life jacket, make sure:

• It is a proper fit. A snug fit is a proper fit. For children, the sizes correspond to weight ranges. Do not use an adult life jacket for children.
• It is approved by the U.S. Coast Guard. Check the label.
• It is right for the activity you are choosing and the water conditions.
• You get one for your pet as well!
• It is in a good, serviceable condition and properly stowed away when not in use.
• Straps, buckles and zippers are secure and fastened.
• You are always wearing it. Accidents happen quickly, and there is no time to grab a jacket that has been stowed.

Check out this infographic from the National Safe Boating Council to determine if you have the right life jacket:

Infographic

North Carolina law requires children younger than 13 years of age to wear life vest when aboard an operating recreational vessel.

Did you know in 2022... 75% of all fatal boating accident victims drowned. Of these victims, 85% were not wearing a life jacket. Two out of three drowning victims were good swimmers. 

Real boaters always wear a life jacket. Life jackets are for everyone, regardless of your age or swimming ability.

"Life Jackets Worn... Nobody Mourns" graphics courtesy of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Boater Safety Education Courses

To make certain that the public is safe, responsible, and free to enjoy boating activities through the state, the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission enforces laws and regulations that all should observe.

North Carolina law requires: Any person born on or after January 1, 1988 must successfully complete a boating education course approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) before operating any vessel propelled by a motor of 10 horsepower or greater.

• All North Carolina Boating Regulations (NCWRC website)
• Boating Education Courses, including free online courses (NCWRC website)
• North Carolina Vessel Operator's Guide (NCWRC PDF)

In addition, most individual park sites offer more locally specific information on boating safety. To learn more about boating safety at North Carolina state park, visit that park's website or contact park staff for more information.

 "Someone at Home Is Waiting for You" video made by the USACE's National Water Safety Program 

The North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation is a partner of the National Safe Boating Council. Visit the NSBC website:

Safe Boating Campaign

Get a great view but keep yourself and other visitors safe!

• People are below you! Please consider not only your own safety, but the safety of others.
• Stay one body length away from the cliff edge.
• Stay on designated trails and observation decks and platforms.
• Watch your step! Be aware of steep drop-offs. Do not climb or walk over rocks at the edge of the cliff, as they may be unstable.
• Be aware of ice and slippery areas after wet or snowy weather.

Extreme heat often results in the highest number of annual deaths among all weather-related hazards. In extreme heat, evaporation is slowed and the body must work extra hard to maintain a normal temperature. This can lead to death by overworking the human body.

Remember:

• Extreme heat can occur quickly.
• Older adults, children, and those with medical conditions are at greater risk from extreme heat.
• Humidity increases the feeling of heat as measured by a heat index.

Visiting State Parks

If you are under an extreme heat warning and plan to visit a state park:

• Watch for heat illness.
• Wear light clothing.
• Check on the other people in your group.
• Drink plenty of fluids.
• Watch for heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke.
• Never leave people or pets in a car.
• Take extra breaks.

Know the Signs of Heat-Related Illness and How to Respond

Heat Cramps

Signs

• Muscle pains or spasms in the stomach, arms or legs

Actions

• Go to a cooler location.
• Remove excess clothing.
• Take sips of cool sports drinks with salt and sugar.
• Get medical help if the cramps last more than 1 hour.

Heat Exhaustion

Signs

• Heavy sweating
• Paleness
• Muscle cramps
• Tiredness
• Weakness
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Nause or vomiting
• Fainting

Actions

• Go to an air-conditioned place and lie down.
• Loosen or remove clothing.
• Take a cool bath.
• Take sips of cool sports drinks with salt and sugar.
• Get medical help if symptoms worsen or last more than 1 hour.

Heat Stroke

Signs

• Extremely high body temperature (above 103 F taken orally(
• Red and hot skin
• Rapid, strong pulse
• Dizziness
• Confusion
• Unconsciousness

Actions

• Call 911 or get the person to a hospital immediately.
• Cool down with whatever methods are available until medical help arrives.

Watch the weather. Visit the North Carolina State Climate Office for daily Fire Danger Predictions.

Call 911 immediately to report a wildfire.

Campfires

• Campfires are permitted in North Carolina state parks only in designated areas.
• Never leave a campfire unattended.
• Use the provided fire ring or grill located at your campsite.
• Before lighting a fire, clear away any flammable items — litter, duff, and excess firewood — from within 10 feet of the campfire. Make sure you have plenty of water with you or you have a shovel ready to toss dirt if the fire gets out of control.
• When building a fire, start with smaller sticks, twigs, and kindling.
• Make sure any additional firewood you add to your fire does not extend beyond the fire ring or grill.
• Be sure your match is completely out after you light a fire. Do not discard it until it is cold and you can touch the charred portion.
• Before you walk away from your campsite, make sure the fire is completely out.
• To put out a campfire, drown the fire with water, checking to make sure that all embers, coals, and sticks are wet. Check underneath rocks to make sure you did not miss any embers. Stir inside the fire ring, pour more water, and stir it again — repeat until all the material is extinguished and cool to the touch.

When Cooking Food at State Parks

• Never leave a stove or grill unattended.
• If a burn ban is in place, you should come prepared and bring a portable gas stove or grill to cook food.
  • You may utilize charcoal grills if no other local ordinances prohibit their use.
• When you are done using a charcoal grill, pour (instead of sprinkle) water thoroughly over the charcoal briquettes. The coals should be soaked with water. Make sure you stir the coals and pour additional water to ensure all of them are completely out.
• Do not bury coals.

When Using Lanterns, Stoves, and Heaters

• Be careful when adding fuel to or refueling a lantern, stove, or heater. Make sure it is cool and placed on even ground with plenty of space around it.
• If you spill fuel, do not light a fire until you have moved away from the spill.
• Handle and store flammable liquid containers with care. Make sure caps are placed tightly and store in a safe space.
• Do not light lanterns or stoves inside a tent, trailer, or RV.
• If you use a lantern or stove inside a tent or trailer, make sure you have plenty of ventilation.

Smoking

• Use dirt to grind out cigarettes, cigars or pipe tobacco. Do not use a log or stump.
• You should not smoke while you are walking or riding your horse or bicycle.

State Parks Rules and Regulations

• Fireworks are prohibited at all areas managed by the Division of Parks and Recreation.
• Fires are permitted only in designated areas and must be tended at all times.
• Gathering firewood is generally prohibited but may be allowed in some parks; contact the park for specific information.
• Do not transport firewood into our state parks, because you could unknowingly spread dangerous insects and diseases that can harm natural resources.
  • Buy firewood locally where you intend to burn it.
  • Alternatively, buy heat-treated firewood.
  • All state parks with camping areas sell firewood at either the park office or visitor center, or the concession stand, or through the campground host.
  • Visit the Don't Move Firewood website for more information.

Many state parks across North Carolina offer great opportunities for swimming, and safety is essential for all ages when enjoying this activity. If the park you are thinking about visiting has lifeguards, make sure you swim when and where the lifeguard is present. If you are at a park without lifeguards, be sure you are completely qualified to be swimming there and use the buddy system.

• Know your ability.
• Swim only in designated areas.
• Use the buddy system. Always swim with a buddy, and have adult supervision for children.
• Pay close attention to children.
• Enter the water feet first.
• Dress appropriately for the activity you are taking part in.
• When available, swim at beaches patrolled by lifeguards.
• Know the various types of ocean currents and weather conditions:
  • NWS Wakefield – Dismal Swamp, Merchants Millpond
  • NWS Newport/Morehead City (Marine Forecast) – Fort Macon, Goose Creek, Hammocks Beach, Jockey's Ridge, Pettigrew
  • NWS Wilmington (Marine Forecast) – Carolina Beach, Fort Fisher, Jones Lake, Lake Waccamaw, Lumber River, Singletary Lake
  • NWS Raleigh – Cliffs of the Neuse, Eno River, Falls Lake, Jordan Lake, Kerr Lake, Medoc Mountain, Morrow Mountain, Raven Rock, William B. Umstead
  • NWS Blacksburg – Hanging Rock, Mayo River, New River, Pilot Mountain
  • NWS Greenville-Spartanburg – Crowders Mountain, Lake James, Lake Norman, South Mountains
• Use U.S. Coast Guard-approved flotation vests if you are a weak swimmer.
• Avoid swimming where danger is present: in rough seas, in inlets, around piers, at night, or during thunderstorms or other extreme weather conditions.

Rip Currents

Before heading out to the beach, make sure you check the weather conditions for any hazards. At the beach, pay attention to warning flags and do not swim when the risk of rip currents is high.

Download information about rip currents as a printable PDF from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration:

English  Spanish

How To Spot Rip Currents

Rip currents are powerful currents of water flowing away from the shore, and they can be found at any beach where there are breaking waves. They are the deadliest and most common beach hazard in North Carolina. Rip currents do not pull people underwater, but someone caught in a rip current may panic or try to swim against the current. Rip currents can occur even when the weather is nice and sunny.

They are often very subtle, but before you head out into the water, stand at an elevated position overlooking the beach. Watch the water and look for any differences in water color, motion, wave shape, or breaking point. You may see foam or debris moving steadily away from the shore, or you may see a break in the incoming wave pattern. The National Weather Service website has some photos of what you may see:

Photos

Or watch this video:

 Knowing how to look for a rip current is an important first step, but sometimes, rip currents show no signs at all. 

What To Do When You Are Caught in a Rip

• Try not to panic. The rip current is not pulling you under, just pulling you away from shore.
• Do not swim against the current.
• You may be able to escape by swimming out of the current in a direction parallel to the shoreline and then toward the beach.
• If you are not a good swimmer, try to float or tread water. Focus your energy on trying to draw attention to yourself by yelling or waving for assistance.