{"id":21884,"date":"2016-07-01T13:30:55","date_gmt":"2016-07-01T17:30:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\/?p=8019"},"modified":"2024-05-21T15:54:13","modified_gmt":"2024-05-21T19:54:13","slug":"fun-in-the-sun","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\/coastwatch\/fun-in-the-sun\/","title":{"rendered":"Fun in the Sun"},"content":{"rendered":"

Planning Your Trip to the Coast<\/h2>\n

By Emily White<\/strong><\/p>\n

Posted July 1, 2016<\/em><\/p>\n

\"Rip<\/a>
Rip current signs provide guidance for swimming safety. Click image for larger view.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Are you heading to the coast for some time in the sand or water? Or maybe you want to spend some time daydreaming about the beach? Check out what to monitor, see and do on your next trip to the ocean.<\/p>\n

To Monitor<\/strong><\/p>\n

Safety is the most important factor when planning your trip to the shore. Rip currents<\/a> are a big hazard when swimming. Powerful currents flowing away from shore can easily pull you out into the open ocean.<\/p>\n

A swimming spot near a lifeguard can help to keep you out of harm\u2019s way. If you do find yourself in a rip current, don\u2019t panic! Alert someone on shore if you can, then swim parallel to shore to get out of the current before trying to swim ashore.<\/p>\n

Sharks<\/a> may get a bad rap but there are ways to minimize the threat of a chance encounter.\u00a0Swim only from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. between May and September, and again, be sure to stay within sight of a lifeguard. Check out this article on shark biology<\/a> to gain some knowledge of these underappreciated fish.<\/p>\n

To See<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Cypresses
Scattered cypresses draped with Spanish moss loom in the still waters of Singletary Lake State Park<\/a>, a bay lake six miles east of White Lake in Bladen County. Photo courtesy N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

One of the most unusual sights around the coast are Carolina bays<\/a>. They draw visitors from all over the country and house many endangered species. Researchers still aren\u2019t quite sure how the bays were formed, so why not visit and come up with your own theory? The open lakes and cypress savannas are worth a trip.<\/p>\n

For the history buff, the Outer Banks are peppered with forts<\/a> from both the Revolutionary and Civil War that have stood the test of time. If you\u2019re craving more historical sites, explore some of the coast\u2019s rich African-American history<\/a> as well.<\/p>\n

To Do<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"A
Visitors enjoy the colorful sunsets at Jockey\u2019s Ridge State Park<\/a>. Photo courtesy N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Now that you have some safety tips and your sightseeing planned, it\u2019s time to hit the beach for some well-deserved fun in the sun. Stop at a state park<\/a> or two to visit boardwalks, look for loggerhead turtles or even fly a gargantuan kite.<\/p>\n

Whether in a state park or at another beach, beachcombing<\/a> is a popular activity for the treasure hunter. Picking up trash along the way is great for the environment, too!<\/p>\n

Once you\u2019re tired out from all of the fun you\u2019ve had, why not pick up some light reading? North Carolina Sea Grant\u2019s Amazing Coast<\/a><\/em> is always available for purchase and is filled to the brim with fascinating facts about coastal creatures and plants, engaging children and adults alike. Get it from our bookstore<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t have time to pick up a book? Grab an issue of Coastwatch<\/em> or access the magazine<\/a> online to catch up on any articles you may have missed.<\/p>\n

Emily White, a senior at NC State University, is a communications intern with North Carolina Sea Grant.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

It\u2019s summer and the beach is one of North Carolina\u2019s hottest destinations. 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