Can you swim in the ocean at the Outer Banks?
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.
What ocean is at Outer Banks?
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.
Can you drink alcohol on the Outer Banks?
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.
Why is the Outer Banks water so rough?
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.
Is it warm enough to swim in the Outer Banks?
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.
Why is there no swimming in the Outer Banks?
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.
Is it safe to swim at Outer Banks?
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.