Several weeks ago, Cape Hatteras National Seashore Superintendent Barclay Trimble announced the elimination of lifeguards on the three lifeguard beaches in the Seashore – Coquina Beach and Buxton Beach on Hatteras Island, and Ocracoke Island. We feel that this is insanity!

Mr. Trimble says that de-funding the lifeguard program at these three beaches is necessary because of budget constraints. Yet the Park has received $2 million from Off-Road Vehicle permits that Mr. Trimble says is earmarked for providing beach access and cannot be used for lifeguards. 

The ocean here is dynamic and the currents are strong. Although there are sometimes dangerous rip currents in the surf, the lifeguards can and will pull you out. We believe “beach access” equals “beach safety,” which means LIFEGUARDS.

There are drownings in unguarded sections of the beach every year at Cape Hatteras National Seashore (two in 2013), but there has NEVER BEEN a drowning on the NPS lifeguarded beaches. 

Last year, the lifeguards at CHNS reported they had 637 safety-related contacts with visitors and assisted 187 visitors in the water. There were also 49 rescues at the Seashore – 49 people who would not be here today without their assistance.

According to their own policy manual, NPS says that protecting human life is their HIGHEST priority. Why then, would Mr. Trimble abolish the one policy at Cape Hatteras National Seashore that is known to protect human life– lots of lives – EVERY YEAR?  Has he violated this priority?

Mr. Trimble thinks that the NPS interpretive programs are more important than lifeguards. On a busy day in the peak of summer, between 20 and 30 visitors attend the many interpretive programs. The lifeguard beach averages 100 people per hour – all day long! Even locals, who have grown up swimming in these waters, take their kids to the lifeguard beach. Safety first!

Lifeguards have more potential contact with Ocracoke visitors than any other sector of NPS. In addition to saving lives, they also answer questions, provide safety information, administer first aid, and advise visitors of seashore rules and regulations.

Over 200,000 visitors use the lifeguarded beaches each year, at a cost to the public of about $200,000. That’s about $1 per person for preventing even one tragedy. Isn’t human life worth a dollar?

In addition, losing our lifeguards would have a HUGE economic impact on Ocracoke. We are a family vacation destination and families come here for the added security of lifeguards. It will negatively affect every aspect of our economy, which is completely supported by tourism.

The citizens of Ocracoke want our lifeguards back! Please let Mr. Trimble know that you want him to re-instate the lifeguard programs. Money spent to save lives is money well spent!