NOTICE: PURPLE Flag Issued Due to NCDEQ Swim Advisory • Labor Day Surf-Off Cancelled

PLEASE NOTE: For Saturday, September 2, 2023, the Town of Oak Island has upgraded the Beach Warning Flag condition by adding a PURPLE Flag, due to the Precautionary Swimming Advisory issued by the NC Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ).

On August 31, State recreational water quality officials issued an advisory which recommended avoiding swimming in North Carolina coastal waters affected by Tropical Storm Idalia. According to the statement, "waters affected by stormwater runoff can contain elevated levels of harmful bacteria that drain into coastal water bodies." While the Purple flag is usually associated with stinging or other dangerous marine life, Town Officials feel it best applies to the current conditions.

CLICK HERE to View the NCDEQ Advisory 

LABOR DAY SURF-OFF CANCELLED

In addition to flying the Purple flag, as a precautionary measure, the Recreation Department has made the decision to CANCEL the Labor Day Surf-Off competition. While unfortunate, this decision comes out of caution and concern for the safety of both participants and spectators.

At this time, it has NOT been been determined whether the event will be rescheduled. Any decision made will be posted on the News & Notices page of the Town Website at www.OakIslandNC.gov/NEWS.    

For further updates, register for email and emergency text alert notifications through the OKInformation system at www.OakIslandNC.gov/INFO.