Water safety is a major concern on the Outer Banks. Visitors to the miles of beautiful beaches may not be aware of potential dangers including strong wave action, rip currents, marine life, and shifting sands. To provide safe swimming areas, Cape Hatteras National Seashore has three lifeguarded beaches, two of which were staffed by National Park Service employees this summer. The park’s lifeguard operation on Ocracoke Island ends August 24 while the Buxton beach will be guarded through Labor Day. The third beach, Coquina Beach on Bodie Island, is a guarded beach partnership between the National Park Service and the Town of Nags Head, who supplies the lifeguards. This vital partnership has allowed both the park and the town to provide public safety through Labor Day at a very popular beach.