Lifeguards return to Wrightsville Beach

WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH, NC (WWAY) — Lifeguards are now back on duty at Wrightsville Beach ahead of the Memorial Day holiday weekend.

Wrightsville Beach Ocean Rescue, a division of the fire department, staffs and monitors the lifeguard stands. The department says between 40 and 45 guards will be stationed along the beach at various access points through Labor Day. Lifeguards are typically on duty daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., depending on the weather.

Beachgoers are encouraged to swim near a lifeguard stand and watch for condition flags posted at each tower. Yellow flags indicate moderate surf or currents, where swimmers should use caution. Red flags signal rough conditions and strong rip currents. Swimmers are discouraged from entering the water under red flag conditions.

“Always swim near a lifeguard stand and make sure that a lifeguard is in the stand. They will be there roughly from 10 to 5 throughout this weekend depending on weather, so please don’t go swimming early in the morning or late in the afternoons,” said Ocean Rescue Director Sam Proffitt.

Surf zones also go into effect Saturday. These areas are marked by black-and-white checkered flags at designated lifeguard stands.