Kill Devil Hills Ocean Rescue

Kill Devil Hills Ocean Rescue Like us to get KDHOR News, Weather and Water Condition Updates! In 2009 more than 750,000 visitors came to Kill Devil Hills’ beaches.
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The Ocean Rescue Division became an integral part of the Kill Devil Hills Fire Department in August 1998. The first full season of the division was 1999 when it was defined by having fourteen fixed lifeguard stands, four roving lifeguards, one pick-up truck and one jet-ski. The division now operates with twenty-one fixed lifeguard stands, five roving ATV group leaders, and one supervisor staffing

a truck with a jet ski. This level of staffing gives the division nearly complete stand-to-stand sight lines and continuous visibility of the high water line. Equipment for the division includes two similarly outfitted pick-up trucks, each with a jet-ski and other rescue and communications equipment. The division also has one three-seat personal water craft and two rigid inflatable boats (12 feet and 19 feet in length)

Year in and year out, the Ocean Rescue Division is fortunate to have experienced guards return to the service of welcoming, educating, and protecting the visitors and residents of Kill Devil Hills. Of the approximate 45 guards hired each season, more than 80% are local residents and many begin their ocean lifeguard careers when they turn 16. For the 2010 season, 75% of the 2009 staff returned and brought with them an average of three years of experience per guard – an invaluable resource. During that time, 509 persons were rescued and the Division assisted with 285 various emergency medical conditions.

04/21/2026

Reminder: The beach driving season in Kill Devil Hills ends on April 30, 30 minutes after sunset. (Beach driving is only allowed with the proper permit.)

As we enjoy the last few days of beach driving, remember that our beaches are becoming more populated. Drivers: pay close attention to pedestrians, including fishermen and sunbathers, wildlife, the water, and all other surroundings. Beach pedestrians always have the right-of-way. The speed limit is 15 mph.

Before driving onto the beach, check to verify that the access onto the beach is clear of pedestrians, vehicles, or other obstacles.

Remember to air down your tires before you drive onto the sand. It’s recommended to air down to 20 psi or even 15, should conditions warrant. (Always check the manufacturer’s recommendations for your vehicle.) The softer the sand, the lower the pressure needed for better traction.

The weather can change quickly here. Always check the weather forecasts and tide tables before venturing out.

04/18/2026
One of our Kill Devil Hills firefighters son needs your help. Please consider donating to help Christian fight cancer. E...
11/08/2025

One of our Kill Devil Hills firefighters son needs your help. Please consider donating to help Christian fight cancer. Every dollar counts.

Meet 3-year-old Christian, the sweetest little boy with a resilience … Zoey Daknis needs your support for Help Christian Fight Cancer: Leg Amputation & Biopsy

10/12/2025

🚩Double Red Flag Advisory.🚩 We will not be flying physical flags due to high winds. No beach driving. Stay safe!

09/29/2025

9/29/25 @ 630 AM - Good morning ENC! Powerful swell from distant hurricane Humberto begins to arrive today. This swell will bring an elevated rip current risk to our area beaches, with this risk continuing into this weekend as this swell combines with swell from TS Imelda to bring hazardous marine conditions across our waters this week.

08/25/2025

🚩🚩 Monday, August 25th 🚩🚩

Double red flags are flying in KDH today. Double red flags mean swimming is prohibited! Powerful rip currents, a significant ocean swell and shorebreak make ocean conditions life-threatening for swimmers and ocean rescue personnel.

❗ Don't risk your life or someone else's. STAY SAFE, STAY OUT OF THE OCEAN ❗

08/23/2025

🚩🚩 Saturday, August 23rd 🚩🚩

Double red flags are flying in KDH today due to life-threatening ocean conditions that remain lingering as distant Hurricane Erin continues to move away from the coast. Powerful rip currents and 4 to 8 foot breaking waves in the surf zone keep beach and ocean conditions life-threatening for swimmers and ocean rescue personnel.

❗️Don't risk your life or someone else's. STAY SAFE, STAY OUT OF THE OCEAN❗️

📱Stay informed! Text OBXBEACHCONDITIONS to 77295 to receive daily updates on beach weather and ocean conditions.

08/22/2025

🚩🚩 Friday, August 22nd 🚩🚩

Double red flags are flying in KDH today due to life-threatening ocean conditions that remain lingering as distant Hurricane Erin continues to moves away from the coast. Powerful rip currents and 6 to 10 foot breaking waves in the surf zone keep beach and ocean conditions life-threatening for swimmers and ocean rescue personnel. Exercise extreme caution on the beach and stay out of the ocean!

Lifeguards will be working to reestablish their stands after removing them in preparation for the storm. We will continue to have a roving patrol present on the beach. If you do not see a lifeguard and have an emergency, call 9-1-1.

❗️Don't risk your life or someone else's. STAY SAFE, STAY OUT OF THE OCEAN❗️

📱Stay informed! Text OBXBEACHCONDITIONS to 77295 to receive daily updates on beach weather and ocean conditions.

08/19/2025

🚩🚩 Tuesday, August 19th 🚩🚩

Double red flags are flying in KDH today due to life-threatening rip currents, large swells, and deteriorating ocean conditions. Double red flags mean swimming is prohibited!

❗️ Don't risk your life or someone else's. STAY SAFE, STAY OUT OF THE OCEAN❗️

08/15/2025
🛟KDHOR Staff 2025🛟
08/13/2025

🛟KDHOR Staff 2025🛟

08/06/2025

Address

103 S Virginia Dare Trail
Kill Devil Hills, NC
27948

Telephone

(252) 480-0080

Website

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