In a 24-hour span at North Carolina’s Outer Banks, two swimmers tragically lost their lives. 

On Tuesday, September 5, at approximately 10:30 am, a 68-year-old man from Ohio was found unresponsive in the southern Hatteras Island waters. The National Park Service reported the event. 

A day earlier, on September 4, a 28-year-old woman from Washington, D.C. faced a similar fate near Avon on Hatteras Island. Both individuals were victims of the strong surf that characterizes the region. Attempts to resuscitate them through cardiopulmonary resuscitation proved futile.

Eyewitness accounts of the man’s last moments indicate that he signaled for assistance while swimming. After seeing him submerge, bystanders promptly rescued him, bringing him back to the beach. Similarly, on Monday, it was observed that large waves overpowered the young woman. With the assistance of a bodyboarder and another individual, she was brought back to land. Unfortunately, medical personnel could not resuscitate her.

David Hallac, who oversees the National Parks of Eastern North Carolina, commented on these sad occurrences. He highlighted the hazardous surf conditions that are often symbolized by substantial waves and powerful rip currents. In his statement, Hallac urged caution, explaining that dangers can lurk even in seemingly shallow waters. He stressed that, under such conditions, perhaps only the most experienced swimmers would be safe.