How Carolina Beach is preparing ahead of the Fourth of July weekend
CAROLINA BEACH, NC (WWAY)–Thousands packed Carolina Beach Friday night to celebrate the Fourth of July with a spectacular fireworks display over the Atlantic Ocean.
While families and visitors enjoyed the holiday festivities, first responders worked around the clock to keep everyone safe. Emergency crews monitored the fireworks launch area, patrolled the shoreline, and responded to the added risks posed by dangerous surf conditions and extreme summer heat throughout the evening.
Hundreds of residents and visitors gathered along Carolina Beach Friday evening to celebrate Independence Day, filling the shoreline as fireworks lit up the night sky.
While spectators enjoyed the annual display, local officials said a significant amount of planning goes into making sure the event is both entertaining and safe.
Carolina Beach Fire Chief Alan Griffin said the town partners with a licensed professional fireworks company, secures all required permits, and establishes safety perimeters to keep spectators a safe distance from the launch site.
“We shoot them from the beach, we make a perimeter to get everyone back, and it makes it for a real good show,” Griffin said.
With extreme heat and dry conditions across the area, Griffin encouraged residents to leave fireworks to trained professionals rather than setting them off at home.
“Not knowing where they are going to land and where they are going to go, leave it to the professionals. That’s what we do,” he said.
While fireworks crews prepared for the show, firefighters also helped visitors cope with the sweltering temperatures by assisting people dealing with the heat.
Meanwhile, lifeguards kept a close watch on the ocean as large crowds flocked to the beach.
“Our rescue numbers are way up there,” said Carolina Beach Ocean Rescue Captain Shawn Kelly.
Kelly said ocean rescue crews have responded to more than 150 rescues over the past three days. With even larger crowds expected throughout the holiday weekend, he said staffing has been increased across the beach.
“In preparation for the holiday, I’m overstaffed. Almost every tower will be double staffed. I’ve got extra personnel up and down the beach strand,” Kelly said.
Red flags were flying Friday, warning swimmers of dangerous surf conditions and strong currents. Combined with the extreme heat, Kelly said beachgoers should remain alert to the risks of both water emergencies and heat-related illnesses.
“We have all sorts of hydration things like Gatorade, Liquid I.V., lots of ice water, and several water jugs up and down the beach strand,” he said.
Kelly encourages visitors to stay hydrated, , know their swimming abilities, and pay attention to beach warning flags before entering the water.
Despite the hazards, he said Carolina Beach remains one of the best places to celebrate the Fourth of July.
“Carolina Beach is one of the best places you can be in all of America to celebrate the Fourth of July,” Kelly said.
Carolina Beach officials are also reminding residents and visitors that any firework that leaves the ground is illegal under North Carolina law. Violators can face a fine as well as a Class 2 misdemeanor charge.
