PRESS RELEASE April 2, 2020 Beach Towns Restrict Recreation Water Access
Carteret County, NC: To further protect local residents from the community spread of coronavirus (COVID 19), the Towns of Atlantic Beach, Emerald Isle, Indian Beach and Pine Knoll Shores will limit recreational water access beginning April 2, 2020.
In a joint effort, each of the four Bogue Banks municipalities will fly Double-Red flags, April 2 through April 29, 2020. Recreational water access will be prohibited during this period.
Restricting recreational water access will reduce the demand on first responders. Additionally, it informs the public that tourist travel to the Crystal Coast is not permitted during Gov. Cooper’s Stay at Home Order.
It is important to note, seasonably warm weather resulted in a water rescue along Bogue Banks on Sunday, March 29, 2020.
Limited medical and personal protection supplies for Police, Fire and EMS personnel are a concern. Restricting water access allows first responders to focus on COVID-19 pandemic measures.
According to recent recommendations made by the Center for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) and the NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), socially responsible exercise is key to staying healthy during the COVID-19 pandemic. For clarification, due to the serious nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, swimming, surfing, kiting, and non-motorized recreational water access will be prohibited. Residents are permitted to walk, jog and exercise along the beach strand.
For further information related to this notice, please contact the appropriate Public Information Officer at the Towns of Atlantic Beach, Emerald Isle, Indian Beach and Pine Knoll Shores.
Town of Atlantic Beach
David R. Walker, Town Manager
252-726-2121 ext 2237
910-330-2587 Cell
townmanager@atlanticbeach-nc.com
Town of Emerald Isle
Matt Zapp, Town Manager
252-354-3424 Phone
Town of Indian Beach
Tim White, Town Manager
252-247-3344 Phone
twhite@indianbeach.org
Town of Pine Knoll Shores
Ken Jones, Town Mayor
(252)-723-0013 Phone