Town of Southern Shores, NC

08/17/2026

What can I do to help stranded wildlife?

From time to time, large sea mammals such as whales and dolphins may beach themselves. You may also be lucky enough to spot a nesting sea turtle. The most important thing to do is keep a
respectful distance and report the sighting to the following authorities to seek assistance.

Save this post so that you have these numbers handy if you need them!

🐬 If you happen upon the scene of a marine mammal beaching, please call the Outer Banks Marine Mammal Stranding Network hotline at 252.455.9654.

🐢 If you find a sea turtle nest or an injured sea turtle, please report it to the Network for
Endangered Sea Turtles (N.E.S.T.) at 252.441.8622.

🦝 If you find an injured, orphaned or diseased land mammal (raccoon, fox, deer, etc), you can call Outer Banks Wild Care at 252.995.4793.

🐦 If you find an injured or orphaned bird, please contact Hatteras Island Wildlife Rehabilitation at 252.475.4217.

Loons being loony: A common bird here on the Outer Banks, our loons, are often reported as stranded on the beach, but they are usually just resting. Loons do not have feet that allow them
to walk on land so they rely on the ocean’s tide to carry them back to the sea. On land, they may appear to be injured, but most of the time they are just doing the “loon walk”!

08/14/2026

☀️ HEAT ADVISORY IN EFFECT TODAY ☀️

A Heat Advisory is in effect from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. today, with heat index values reaching up to 109°F. Please take precautions:

💧 HYDRATE, HYDRATE, HYDRATE!
🌳 Seek shade and take frequent breaks from the heat.
👀 Check on family, friends and neighbors for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
🐾 Don’t forget your pets; make sure they have plenty of shade and fresh water.

🏖️ Beach conditions:
• Surf: 1–3 feet
• Water temperature: 80°F at Duck Pier
• Partly to mostly sunny with a chance of showers and thunderstorms
• Highs in the upper 80s to low 90s
• Heat index up to 109°F
• Southwest winds 5–10 mph

🚩 Always swim near a lifeguard. If help is needed, know your location and call 911.

For beach warning flag information, visit

View daily Outer Banks beach conditions, find a lifeguard and listen to beach safety tips shared by OBX locals. Learn how to Love the Beach, Respect the Ocean.

08/13/2026

We’re lucky to have several sea turtle nests in Southern Shores this season! 🐢🌊

We’re keeping our fingers crossed that they all hatch successfully and that every hatchling makes it safely to the ocean. Thank you to everyone helping protect our nests and giving these little turtles the best possible start!🐢

08/13/2026

The power of the ocean deserves our respect.🌊

The force of the surf can catch unsuspecting swimmers off guard and strong rip currents can sweep even the strongest swimmers far away from the safety of the shoreline. In this video, Outer Banks Lifeguard Mirek Dabrowski explains how you can avoid rip current
problems by following a few simple tips:

✔️ Know before you go. Check beach conditions at LoveTheBeachRespectTheOcean.com.

✔️ Always swim near a lifeguard.

✔️ Never swim alone.

✔️ Watch for red flags and rip current warnings.

If you see another swimmer in distress, notify a lifeguard immediately and call 911. Throw a floatation device to the swimmer, if possible. Many people have died trying to rescue rip current victims.

For more beach safety tips, head to LoveTheBeachRespectTheOcean.com.

Text OBXBeachConditions to 77295 to receive a daily beach conditions forecast

08/07/2026

Thank you, Southern Shores! 🌊🍦

A big thank you to everyone who came out to the Pitts Center today to meet the RCCP team, learn more about proposed coastal resilience projects, and share your priorities for the future of our community. We also enjoyed some ice cream from KEYZ New Zealand Ice Cream to help us cool off on this hot summer day! 🍦☀️

Through the Resilient Coastal Communities Program (RCCP), community feedback, survey responses, and technical analysis have helped identify proposed projects designed to strengthen Southern Shores’ resilience to future coastal challenges. Residents and property owners were invited to review the proposals and help rank the priorities that matter most to our community.

Couldn’t make it today? You can still participate! Visit the project page online at:
https://www.inspire-engagement.com/southern-shores-rccp

There you can:
✅ Learn about the proposed projects
✅ Review project details
✅ Vote for the priorities you think are most important for Southern Shores

Your input will help guide the Town’s next steps in building a more resilient future.

Thank you for being part of a stronger, more resilient Southern Shores! 🌊

08/07/2026

📚🚒 Back to School Fire Safety Tips! 🚒📚
As the kids head back to school and routines shift, it’s the perfect time for a fire safety refresh at home and in the classroom! 🔥

Here are a few simple tips to keep your family safe:

✅ Check Smoke Alarms – Make sure your smoke alarms are working. Test them monthly and replace batteries if needed.
✅ Create & Practice a Fire Escape Plan – Every family should have a plan with two ways out of every room and a meeting spot outside.
✅ Review Stop, Drop, and Roll – It’s always a good time to go over the basics with your children.
✅ Be Careful with Backpacks & Gear – Keep them away from heaters, outlets, and stove areas at home.
✅ School Safety – Remind your kids to listen to their teachers during fire drills and always follow evacuation plans.

Let’s start the school year safe, smart, and ready. Fire safety is always in session! 🏫🔥🛑

08/07/2026

🌊 FLOODING. HURRICANES. NOR’EASTERS.

You told us what you’re seeing and experiencing in Southern Shores, from flooding and erosion to the impacts of major storms.

Now, the Resilient Coastal Communities Program (RCCP) team has developed proposed projects based on your feedback, survey responses and technical data.

Find out TODAY what’s being proposed, and help decide what comes first!

Stop by the Pitts Center from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. to review the proposed coastal resilience projects, ask questions and rank the projects in order of priority. Your input will help shape Southern Shores’ coastal resilience planning and future efforts.

🍦 And yes, there’s FREE ICE CREAM!

Come see the projects, share your thoughts and help shape the future of coastal resilience in Southern Shores.

📍 Pitts Center
🕤 9:30 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
📅 TODAY — Friday, August 7

We'll see you there!

08/06/2026

🍦 Free Ice Cream Tomorrow & Help Shape Southern Shores' Future! 🌊

Join us tomorrow, Friday, August 7, from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Pitts Center for free ice cream while helping shape the future of Southern Shores.

The Resilient Coastal Communities Program team has identified several proposed resilience projects for the Town, including structural or nature-based solutions, and we want your feedback.

Stop by to:

✅ Review the proposed projects
💬 Ask questions and learn more
🗳️ Rank the projects in order of priority

Your input will help shape Southern Shores' future resilience planning. Grab a scoop, share your thoughts, and help make a difference in your community!

08/06/2026

08/06/2026

SOUTHERN SHORES! One event, two great ways to support your community – tomorrow, Friday, August 7!

Community feedback, survey responses, and technical analysis have helped identify several proposed coastal resilience projects for Southern Shores. Now it’s your turn to help decide which projects should be the highest priorities.

Stop by the Pitts Center to:
✅ Review the proposed projects
✅ Ask questions
✅ Rank the projects based on priority.

🍦 Enjoy free ice cream while you browse (while supplies last)!

You can also donate blood at the American Red Cross Blood Drive taking place at the same time. Blood supplies are currently critically low, especially for Type O blood, so your donation can make a life-changing difference to people in need.

📍 Pitts Center
🗓 Friday, August 7
🕤 9:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.

We'll see you there!