The golden rules (PLEASE FOLLOW):

• Never swim alone. If you get into trouble and no one’s around, there’s no one to help. Always swim with a buddy, and have someone watching from shore.
• Parents, always watch your kids. Never leave them alone in the water or on the beach, not even for a second. Watch with your eyes, not your phone.
• Know your location. Note the nearest beach access number or house address before you swim, so you can tell 911 exactly where you are.

Check today’s conditions first:

Since there are no flags on the beach, the National Weather Service forecast is your flag.

• NWS Wilmington Beach Forecast shows the rip current risk (low, moderate or high), surf height, water temperature and lightning risk for Brunswick County beaches. It’s updated daily.
• On a “High” rip current risk day, or when storms are offshore and the waves are bigger, stay out of the ocean. Enjoy the pool or the sand instead.
• Beach safety stations: The town has safety stations along the beach about every 600 feet. Each has a QR code that links to the current rip current forecast, an address sign so 911 can find you, and a rescue tube for emergencies. (There is one located directly in front of both of our beach rentals!)

Know the currents

There are three types of currents on our coast, and each one moves differently.

1. Drift or side currents:These move parallel to the shore and carry you down the beach. To get out, swim toward shore at an angle and let the current carry you along. You’ll get back to the sand, just a little farther down the beach from where you started.

2. Backwash or undertow: This current runs down the slope of the beach, underneath incoming waves, and can pull a swimmer under and out. It’s especially dangerous when storms are offshore and waves are bigger. Stay out of the water on those days.

3. Rip currents: Rip currents are narrow channels of water moving straight out to sea past the breaking waves, and they can carry you into deep water fast. They’re the #1 weather-related danger on Carolina beaches.

How to spot one: Look for a gap in the breaking waves, choppy or churning water, darker water, or foam and seaweed moving out to sea.

If you’re caught in one:

1. Don’t fight it. Stay calm and float.
2. Swim parallel to the shoreline until you’re free of the current.
3. Then turn and swim back to shore.
4. If you can’t escape, float or tread water, wave your arms and yell for help.

On a float, raft or boogie board? The same rule applies: paddle parallel to the shore to get out of the current. If you’re too far out to paddle back, wave your arms and call for help, but never let go of your float to swim back Help will come.

📖 Learn more: NWS Rip Current Safety | Carolinas Rip Current Awareness

 The inlets:

The Lockwood Folly Inlet at the east end of the island and the Shallotte Inlet at the west end have strong currents, especially as the tide changes. Don’t swim near the inlets, and keep kids and floats away from them. Check the tides here.

 Look before you leap:

• Check the water before you go in. Make sure no people or objects in the water could cause an injury.
• Know the depth. Non-swimmers should stay between ankle-deep and knee-deep.
• Go slowly in water you don’t know. Watch for sudden drop-offs, sandbars and holes.
• Never dive headfirst into the ocean or into water you don’t know. On rough days, waves can break hard right at the water’s edge. This shorebreak causes neck, back and shoulder injuries, even in shallow water.

Think so you don’t sink:

If you get into trouble, whether you swallow water, get in too deep or get caught in a current, remember: Stop. Relax. Think.

• Don’t panic. Staying calm helps you think clearly.
• Tread water or float on your back to save your energy.
• Call for help and wave your arms.

Reach or throw, don’t go:

If someone in the water needs help:

1. Call 911 right away.
2. Reach or throw. Reach out a hand, or throw something that floats, like a boogie board, a cooler or the rescue tube at the nearest beach safety station.
3. Don’t go in after them. Unless you’re trained in water rescue, you could put both of your lives in danger. Many drownings happen to people trying to help.

Don’t just pack it, wear your life jacket:

Heading out on a boat, kayak, paddleboard or jet ski? Wear your life jacket the whole time. If an accident happens, there won’t be time to put one on. Plan ahead and wear it.

Lightning:

When thunder roars, go indoors. If you can hear thunder, you’re close enough to be struck. Get off the beach and out of the water and pool. Wait 30 minutes after the last thunder before heading back out.

Sun & heat:

• Wear reef-safe sunscreen and reapply it every 2 hours and after swimming.
• Drink plenty of water and take shade breaks.
• Sand gets hot by midday, so bring shoes out on the beach.

Jellyfish, stingrays & marine life:

• Jellyfish and Portuguese man o’ war have nearly see-through tentacles. A sting can cause anything from a mild burn to shock, nausea or trouble breathing. Steer clear of them in the water and on the sand, even if they look dead, because the tentacles can still sting.
• If you’re stung, get medical help right away by calling 911. Local first responders are trained in the latest treatment and can often treat you right on the beach. 
• Stingrays: Shuffle your feet as you walk in the water. It warns stingrays to move away.
• Sharks:
  • Avoid swimming at dawn and dusk.
  • Stay away from people fishing and from schools of baitfish.
  • Leave shiny jewelry on the beach.
• Sea turtles: If you see an injured or stranded sea turtle, call the Holden Beach Turtle Watch at (910) 754-0766.

Be cool, follow the rules:

Beach rules are there for a good reason. Holden Beach’s rules cover:

• Swimming
• Dogs on the beach
• Fishing
• Jet skis, which must stay 500+ feet from shore
• Beach equipment

Town of Holden Beach Visitors Information has the full list, or call Town Hall at (910) 842-6488 for any questions or concerns

Pool safety at The Ohana House

• There’s no lifeguard on duty.
• Adults must supervise children at all times.
• Close the pool gate after every use.
• No diving and no glass.
• Rinse off in the outdoor shower before you swim

• Emergencies: 911
• Holden Beach Police (non-emergency): (910) 842-6707
• Holden Beach Town Hall: (910) 842-6488
• Holden Beach Turtle Watch: (910) 754-0766
• Nearest ER: Novant Health Brunswick Hospital, 240 Hospital Drive, Bolivia. It’s about 20 minutes away and open 24/7.

 Maps

• Holden Beach Interactive Visitors Map shows public accesses, parking, restrooms and showers.
• Holden Beach Tide Tables

Water safety tips adapted from the American Red Cross and the National Weather Service.