Carolina Beach is a safe tourist spot for all kinds of travelers. But that doesn’t mean the area has no crime at all. The crime rate is pretty low, so normally you won’t have to worry about safety. But you must stay cautious of the surroundings and keep your belongings safe. Avoid overcrowded and vacant, dark alleys. Also, follow the rules & regulations of the beach.
Hang in there to learn details about the safety of Carolina Beach in this comprehensive guide.
How Safe Is Carolina Beach?
Located in North Carolina, Carolina Beach is safer than 27% of the cities all across the United States. If you compare it with other cities in North Carolina, it is 49% safer compared to them.
A lot of people come to visit Carolina Beach every year during the mid-summer season. If you’re planning a trip to CB and feeling anxious about safety, then we invite you to the following segments.
Is Carolina Beach Safe For Families & Kids?
Carolina Beach is pretty safe to have a family tour along with children. There are so many family activities to do in Carolina Beach. But a few factors like weather, season, and crowd also play a role here.
When it comes to safety it’s better to avoid both overcrowded and vacant areas. Theft is pretty common in overcrowded places. Also, if you’ve brought your car with you, make sure to keep your keys and other belongings in a safe place.
As for the safety of the children you should follow the given guidelines by the local authority. Don’t let them wander off alone near the shore. The beach itself is kid-friendly. You can also bring your dog to Carolina Beach.
However, surfing should be off-limits to children. Because the current is strong and the waves have steep slopes. It’ll be hard for a child to keep up with the current. For children surfing, Myrtle Beach would be a better place.
In case something goes wrong you can ask for immediate help from the lifeguards. There are 20 lifeguards on duty over three miles of the surrounding beach area daily.
Is Carolina Beach Safe For Couples?
Yes, Carolina Beach is safe for couples as well. Moreover, there are many romantic things to do in Carolina Beach. There are many couples and families who go camping, beach driving, fireworks, and bonfires on the beach.
But make sure you follow all the rules and restrictions and avoid vacant areas. Also, make sure to remove the beer cans and fireworks waste from your stay. You wouldn’t want to leave Carolina Beach trashy. right?
Is Carolina Beach Safe For Solo Female Travelers?
Carolina Beach is a safe tourist spot even for solo female travelers. However, just like any other tourist spot, we suggest you always be aware of the surrounding area.
Especially at night time. Avoid dark areas and choose well-lit paths. Locals are usually helpful and friendly. The boardwalk is the busiest place. So the chance of a crime or any street harassment occurring there is pretty low.
However, pickpocketing can occur. So, be careful with your belongings. Public transportation like buses and taxis are pretty safe, punctual, and reliable.
Drivers are helpful as well. But in any case, it’s better to stay alert at night.
Is Carolina Beach Safe To Swim?
It is safe to swim at Carolina Beach as long as you follow the general rules. Also, you must know about the RIP current information. Because RIP currents are the most concerning and life-threatening issue in Carolina Beach.
We’ll talk about all these important safety factors below.
Know The Beach Flags
You may see many different colored flags near the beaches in different spots. It’s important to know what they indicate. Here’s what they mean-
| Flag Color | Hazard Type | Description |
| Green | Low | Normal caution will suffice |
| Yellow | Medium | Moderate current in the water, enhanced caution is expected, not for weak swimmers. |
| Red | High | Strong currents or RIP currents, swimming will be life-threatening |
| Double Red | Closed | Closed for swimming |
| Quartered Black & White | Information | Used for marking surfing prohibited areas, swimming is allowed. |
| Purple Flag | Information | Dangerous marine animals are nearby (ex: Man O’War, Jellyfish) |
Also, beware of thunderstorms, water spouts, high waves, and heatburns.
Beware Of Rip Currents
You’ll see multiple posters on RIP Current in public areas around the beach. Make sure you familiarize yourself with the sign and instructions.
A rip current is an outward-flowing current that returns water to the sea after it has been pushed onshore by waves. Every wave that comes deposits water on the beach, causing seaward pressure.
This pressure subsides at the point of least resistance, which is usually the deepest point on the ocean floor. It’s a must to avoid going into the water when RIP current is present.=
Keep at least 100 feet distance from jetties and piers. Rip currents are frequently found along the sides of permanent objects in the water. Keep an eye on the water conditions.
Lifeguards are taught to identify potential threats. Before approaching the water, inquire with a lifeguard about the conditions. But if you unfortunately get caught up in RIP current, then follow these instructions-
- Don’t try to fight the current. It’ll tire you out.
- Try to swim parallel to the shore.
- If you can’t escape the current then remain tread on the water or float.
- Call or wave for assistance if you can’t get out of it.
How To Ask For Help
The Carolina Beach area has 20 lifeguards on duty at different checkpoints. It’s better to swim near them. Because if you need help, they can spot you easily.
You can just wave or shout to get their attention. Also, before you go swimming, learn the location of the life stations. If anyone gets in trouble and the lifeguard isn’t nearby, you can throw the lifering to them.
Places To Avoid
If you’re planning to surf or swim, you specifically have to avoid going near the pier. Because current related occurrences happen near the pier, breakwalls, or the jetties most of the time.
Waves are stronger and more chaotic near the pier that it makes moving pretty hard. People can get easily swept away off the jetty walls. Strong currents push people into deeper water.
People often come to the pier for fishing. This is another reason to avoid the area for swimming. Watch where you’re going.
Final Thoughts
That was all from us regarding the safety of Carolina Beach. Always be cautious even if there may be no reason for additional safety concerns. But, on a beach trip especially, you never know what can happen. So, better safe than sorry.
