On Thursday I wrote about de-funding for lifeguards on Ocracoke's beach. The Superintendent of
the Cape Hatteras National Seashore does not believe it is important to have lifeguards for 2014.
If you think this policy is a mistake,
please sign this petition: http://www.change.org/petitions/save-our-lifeguards-put-lifeguards-back-on-our-beaches
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter documents the day telephones came to the island. The article includes
images of Ocracoke's first telephone directory which lists a total of
63 subscribers. You can read the Newsletter here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news022114.htm.
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Signed!
ReplyDeleteSigned!
ReplyDeleteThank you Philip.
In all the months I have read your blog, I can't remember you dwelling on the fact the Outer banks of North Carolina is a popular fishing destination. You have touched upon it, but my knowledge of the kinds of fish caught , when the schools are running etc. has not benefited much. I mention this as I shudder when I see a surf Casting fisherman on a beach I wish to spend some time. He must know something I don't, as to why is he there. A knowledgeable fisherman can read the waters. He knows whats out there and I don't know what lurks under the water... A fishing hook that's for sure a big hook at that.. The other thing I just learned researching this topic after reading about the" treacherous waters" off the coast of North Carolina where two Global currents converge, creating a plankton or was it phytoplankton rich environment thus a fertile fishing area. Two currents , huh, which is the second global current? Anyway, is OI really a popular swimming beach? Sunbathing , frolicking at the shores edge, building sand castles , fresh fish dinners, yes -but swimming in the treacherous waters off North Carolina. How many public swimming pools are there on OI?
ReplyDeleteOcracoke has been a popular destination for anglers for generations. But I am not a fisherman (some people find that hard to believe because my heritage is here). In the past I have tried to get local fishermen to write for me, but I haven't had much luck at that. I will try that again.
DeleteThe Gulf Stream (warm water) and the Labrador Current (cold water) meet at Cape Hatteras.
Ocracoke is a very popular swimming beach. The beach slopes gently (no rapid drop off into deep water). But ocean swimming is not the same as swimming in a pool. Depending on conditions, the surf can be rough, with large breakers...and dangerous rip currents can form, especially if there is a storm off shore. Most of the time, however, our beach is safe and user friendly. In the warmer months our beach is a popular place for swimming, building sand castles, relaxing, etc.
There are no public pools on Ocracoke, although several motels have pools. A very few rental houses have private pools.
To Anonymous,
ReplyDeleteMy husband and I decided to retire here because of the wonderful community.Thousands of tourists come every year.Many many local people and visitors swim in the ocean. Since we have lived here there have been drownings every summer but there has NEVER been a drowning in the area where we had life guards. Last summer a man died on his honeymoon. The year before a man drowned trying to save his wife and 2 children. This is very important if you value human wife. In my opinion If one life is saved it is well worth every penny spent. Lida Jones
I'm not much of a petition signer, but I'll happily sign this one. What a hare-brained decision, to defund the lifeguard program. Thanks for the link, Philip.
ReplyDeleteReading more online about Cape Hatteras National Seashore, I spied a little blurb about the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum on Hatteras Island.
ReplyDeleteI know that the museum primarily addresses the historical danger of the seashore as it relates to ships, but I couldn't help envisioning some future exhibit--a memorial, perhaps--addressing the dangers of swimming at beaches left unguarded in the wake of the superintendent's decision.
Just signed it!
ReplyDeleteJuanita