2024 Beach Ambassadors Team  

The Oak Island Beach Ambassador Program is a great opportunity for for citizens to assist in promoting clean, safe, and protected beach areas for all users. 

Volunteer Beach Ambassadors are trained to educate and inform visitors about Town ordinances related to beach areas, and how their actions can provide a safe environment for visitors and sea turtles alike. Emphasis is on visitor-friendly communication. Ambassadors also provide monitoring and observation, reporting potential safety issues, ordinance violations and wildlife concerns.

The program organized by the Beach Preservation Society, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation, dedicated to education and community engagement to enhance the Oak Island beach experience.

• For full details on the Beach Ambassadors Program from the Beach Preservation Society Website, CLICK HERE

• To contact the Beach Preservation Society regarding the Program, CLICK HERE   

Responsibilities

Ambassadors are identified by custom reflective safety vests and hats. They work in teams and travel the beach on foot. Patrols are concentrated on weekends with random trips during the week, primarily in the afternoon and early evening, according to the tide schedule. Holiday weeks have more patrols. Ambassadors talk to visitors, take photos, encourage positive beach activities and remind visitors of beach rules. They are the friendly face of our targeted ordinances. They report concerns to a designated Town liaison, or in extreme cases, to the police.

Ambassadors commit to at least 20 hours of service in the tourist season [mid-May through Labor Day]. Some applicants may desire walking duties of shorter duration and greater frequency. Walking patrol locations (approximately 18 blocks each) are assigned by the program manager. The goal is to have 2-3 person teams per location, with a designated team leader coordinating scheduling. Weekend hours are expected for a portion of each volunteer’s service. No patrols take place during dangerous weather conditions.

Qualifications

Individuals interested in becoming a Beach Ambassador must:

• Complete and submit an application to the Program Coordinator
• Be at least 21 years old
• Submit to a background check at the expense of the Town
• Have personal stamina and mobility
• Be outgoing, helpful and friendly to visitors
• Have a positive approach to the protection of the beach as well as the value of beach tourism
• Demonstrate maturity in personal encounters
• Assume all liability for personal injury, illness or accident arising from participation
• Be willing to be a team player.

Training

Upon completion of the application, all prospective ambassadors will be invited to the initial training session, at which time forms will be provided for agreement to the background check. The training session will take place in April. Training will include the language and intent of the beach ordinances, simulated encounters with beach visitors, both positive and negative, and tutorials on the key targeted Town ordinances. Emphasis will be on tactful approaches to encouraging appropriate beach behavior. Guidelines will be given to handle issues that may fall outside of the scope of the beach ambassador’s responsibility.

After the training, interviews and background checks, new Ambassadors will be notified to pick up identification gear, patrol team assignment and supplies at Town Hall during a designated week before patrols begin.