Oak Island surfer spreads safety tips to beach-goers

OAK ISLAND, NC (WWAY) — Today in Oak Island, folks gathered on the beach to focus on beach safety.

Mike Young is a local surfer. He started the group OKI Surfers for Kiersten and Hunter after the two teens were bitten by a shark earlier this season. Young said the events inspired him to share safety tips with folks who head out to the beach.

Classes were held by surfers, lifeguards, and members of the Oak Island emergency response team. Locals and visitors alike were able to ask questions about everything from rip currents to jellyfish stings.

Young said that on a beach like Oak Island, where there are no lifeguards, it is important for all beach-goers to take responsibility for their own safety. He said he hopes events like today’s will help educate people on how to make sure they can have fun while staying safe in Oak Island.

They also collected donations to end to the two teens to help them with some of their medical bills.