How Rescue Tube Stations Can Help Missing Persons
Published on July 15, 2026
It’s a scary feeling, you’re out enjoying some much-needed time off with your family, when you turn around for just one second, and the next thing you know someone you love is LOST is a sea of shade sails! Getting separated from your family in a new place is something that can happen to anyone, including children and adults. Thankfully, here’s a few ways you can take the fear out of finding a loved one.
KNOW YOUR LOCATION: The Town has Rescue Tube Stations on the beach side of every access. Before finding your perfect spot on the beach, make sure everyone in your family knows the street number displayed on your closest Rescue Tube Station, and make this your “meeting spot” if you get lost or separated.
TAKE A PHOTO: When establishing your meeting spot, be sure to take a photo that clearly shows everyone in their attire and how they look that day. If a search is needed for anyone who is lost or separated, first responders will have an accurate photo to use when out looking.
DON'T RELY ON DEVICES: Phones can be lost or damaged, and batteries can die, so don’t always assume you’ll be able to contact your family or use GPS to “find your way back.” Avoid trying to navigate using physical landmarks like the Pier or unique houses, as it can be difficult to judge distances across an open beach strand. Instead, use the signage on the Rescue Tube Stations to know exactly where you are, and how to get to where you need to be.
DON'T BE AFRAID TO ASK FOR HELP: If you’re an adult who can’t find your family, put the pride away for just a moment and ask one of our Beach Safety staff for assistance, or call 9-1-1.
One last important note for kids, is to make sure they know WHO to ask for help! Our Beach Safety Division runs multiple patrols all day, in specially marked UTVs. Let them know it’s OK to yell, wave, or do whatever they need to get our attention! We promise, they won’t get in trouble and shouldn’t feel embarrassed about getting lost.
We understand that everyone is here to have fun, but that doesn’t mean we can forget about safety. Thankfully, by following these steps, you can greatly reduce your risk of a scary or even tragic scenario. To learn more and help us share this information with others, just click on the Beach Safety button at OakIslandNC.gov/BEACH or click the link below.
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