Ocean Rescue
The Kure Beach Ocean Rescue operates under the command of the Kure Beach Fire Department. We have a seasonal staff of 32 lifeguards, including the head guard and 4 Captains. The Town operates 10 tower locations spread out evenly along the 3 miles of beach strand in Kure Beach. We operate a Honda Pioneer, and 5 Honda Rancher 4-wheelers. We respond to all public safety emergencies along the beach including both ocean rescue calls and medical calls. All of the staff is trained to a minimum of First Responder and several members are Emergency Medical Technicians. We have an excellent working relationship with the Kure Beach Police Department, and closely work alongside the Carolina Beach Ocean Rescue Department.
The Kure Beach Ocean Rescue program is a recognized agency of the USLA (United States Lifesaving Association). USLA is a professional association of beach lifeguards and open water rescuers. USLA works to reduce the incidence of death and injury in the aquatic environment through public education, national lifeguard standards, training programs, promotion of high levels of lifeguard readiness and other means.
RESCUE BUOY PROGRAM
The Kure Beach Fire Department has installed rescue buoy marker signs at (12) of its highest volume areas. Each sign contains a rescue buoy, and specific instructions on what to do should someone need rescuing in the water and there is no floatation device available. These locations include: Davis Rd, E Ave., F Ave., G Ave., H Ave., I Ave., J Ave., Guard Shack, Tower 3, L Ave., M Ave., and N Ave.
The Fire Department will evaluate the success of the pilot program throughout 2024, and if all goes well will place the same rescue buoy markers at all public beach accesses.
As a reminder, should you ever get caught in a rip current, remember to stay calm, signal for help, and float. Try to expend as little energy as possible while signaling for help. If the current is moving north to south, or south to north, ease into that direction instead of swimming directly into shore against the current.