2024 Season Review

During the Town Council regular meeting on November 12, 2024, Chief Morris gave a presentation on on the BSU Season Review for 2024.  

• CLICK HERE to view video of this presentation
• CLICK HERE to download the presentation materials

Seasonal Schedule

The BSU operates seasonally from May - September, between the hours of 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM DAILY. The exact start and ends dates for patrols are published prior to the start of each season.  

The Beach Service Unit (BSU) is a civilian-staffed branch of the Oak Island Police Department, which works to preserve and maintain the public beach areas within the Town of Oak Island.

The BSU works in conjunction with sworn officers to serve both residents and visitors, through daily patrols of the public beach areas and Beach Access Locations.

A total of THREE (3) BSU teams patrol the beach, in staggered shifts of:

• 7:00 AM - 3:00 PM
• 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
• 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Patrols are made using utility vehicles (UTVs) like the ones pictured on this page. Aerial drone video is also used to monitor surf conditions in real time, and record ordinance violations.   

Members of the BSU do not carry firearms or conduct police tasks, but are authorized to issue citations for violating Town ordinances related to dunes, beach safety, and parking. All BSU members wear specific uniforms, with BEACH SERVICES prominently displayed across the back of their shirt.  

• Patrolling the 10 miles of public beach areas, from both east and west directions.
  
• Preventing damage to the dune system through staff / officer presence and ordinance enforcement. 
  
• Utilizing a drone (UAS) to spot violators and address safety concerns.
• Ensure fair and consistent enforcement of Town Ordinances. 
  
• Provide information and assistance to the public
• Provide updates on surf conditions by flying the Beach Hazard Warning flags

The Police Department's Beach Services Unit operates seamlessly with the public safety efforts of the Oak Island Fire Department's Ocean Rescue Unit  and the volunteer support of Oak Island Water Rescue. Together these three agencies, along with Brunswick County and surrounding municipal partners, work to provide a rapid, comprehensive response for the entire community.

NOTE: To report dune or beach safety violations as they happen, please call 9-1-1 or the non-emergency number 910-253-7490 to have officers or BSU staff respond.