Beach and boating safety concerns grow as Memorial Day travel ramps up

WILMINGTON, N.C. (WWAY) — From strong rip currents to dangerously low lake levels inland, safety crews say boaters and swimmers need to stay alert as summer travel ramps up.

Heavy rain and cloudy skies may not be the typical kickoff to Memorial Day weekend at the beach, but that is not stopping thousands of visitors from heading to the coast, ahead of what is expected to be one of the busiest beach weekends of the year.

Among those still planning to spend the holiday weekend at the beach is Skylar Wellington, who joked about trying to improve the forecast.

“I paid an Etsy witch to clear the weather up for me this weekend,” Wellington said.

Despite the threat of more rain throughout the weekend, officials at Carolina Beach say large crowds are still expected.

Lt. David Tidball with Carolina Beach Ocean Rescue said lifeguards are urging swimmers to stay alert to dangerous ocean conditions.

“We’ve had more rescues this year so far than we did last,” said Tidball. “Please swim close to the lifeguard towers. Rip currents are strong and they can advise you on where to swim.”

Rip currents aren’t the only concern this weekend.

Jordan Lake is among several bodies of water managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers experiencing unusually low water levels after North Carolina saw its fifth driest April since 1895.

NC Wildlife Officer Jacob Stewart said freshwater boaters should use extra caution around hazards that may now be closer to the surface.

“A lot of the water levels have come down,” said Stewart. “Stumps. Sandbars. Just make sure when you’re running your boat that you’re not running it in an unsafe manner where you’re running into these obstacles that can cause damage.”

Officials are encouraging both beachgoers and boaters to monitor weather conditions closely, and practice water safety throughout the holiday weekend.