Memorial Day crowds at Wrightsville Beach prompt safety reminder from rescuers

Boats at Wrightsville Beach during Memorial Day Weekend (Photo Courtesy: Bryan Alonso/WWAY)

WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH, N.C. (WWAY) — Memorial Day weekend brings plenty of excitement to eastern North Carolina as crowds flock to the beaches of New Hanover County and surrounding coastal areas. Visitors spend the holiday enjoying the sand, playing beach volleyball, and heading out on boats to take advantage of the warm weather and ocean views. But with the increase in traffic on the water comes added challenges for local rescue and towing crews.

As beachgoers make their way to Wrightsville Beach to relax on the shore or spend time boating, crews at Sea Tow Wrightsville Beach prepare for one of their busiest times of the year.

Captain Ryan Saporito, general manager of Sea Tow Wrightsville Beach, says Memorial Day weekend marks the beginning of the company’s busy season, often requiring long hours for his team as they assist boaters across the area.

“We do see a lot of fuel issues, so a lot of times so lots of time, fuel gauges on boats don’t work,” said Saporito. “Some people believe that they have a fuel tank of gas or might show half a tank, so we see a lot of those calls as well.”

Saporito also reminds boaters to make safety a priority before heading onto the water. He encourages everyone to ensure life jackets, kill switches, and all required safety equipment are onboard and functioning properly.