Crystal Coast beaches reopening to property owners, residents only

CARTERET COUNTY, N.C. — All four Crystal Coast beaches, closed for weeks because of the COVID-19 outbreak, will soon be reopening.

According to our partners WCTI, towns along the Bogue Banks are lifting their restriction on recreational water access.

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Atlantic Beach, Emerald Isle, Indian Beach and Pine Knoll Shores have announced that swimming, surfing and more in the Atlantic Ocean can resume. Recreational water access had previously been suspended through April 29.

Beginning Friday, the temporary restriction will be lifted in Atlantic Beach for property owners and Carteret County residents. Officials say everyone must adhere to social distancing guidelines, and groups of more than 10 people remain prohibited.

Atlantic Beach says the temporary restriction on recreational water access will be lifted on Friday. Emerald Isle will lift their restrictions on Saturday. Officials said people still must maintain social distancing standards and groups of more than ten people continue to be prohibited.

The town says the beach will only be open for residents of Carteret County, while public beach access parking lots and bathhouses remain closed.

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Atlantic Beach leaders stress that the summer lifeguard program has not begun, so there are no lifeguards on the beach. They are urging beachgoers to use extreme caution and pay attention to warning flags.

Atlantic Beach Mayor Trace Cooper wants to make clear, the change is only for residents.

“You still can’t come here for recreational activities. I don’t want people to think that a beach is back open for business. It’s a pretty limited exception,” the mayor said.

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Indian Beach will also reopen waterways on Friday. The town is asking residents and property owners to continue to follow the governor’s travel restrictions.

Emerald Isle says starting Saturday they will be providing limited beach patrol for the rest of the month and that lifeguard activity and coverage will increase as the season progresses.

Emerald Isle says their waterways will be available to town residents and property owners who must also maintain social distancing.

Pine Knoll Shores says it too will remove recreational water restrictions on Saturday. The town says all of their beach accesses, parking lots and restrooms will remain closed.

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