The Town of Oak Island welcomes all who decide to spend their time on our beautiful beachfront; and hope wonderful memories with friends and family are made.  To help ensure an enjoyable experience for everyone, please be aware of the following rules of conduct: 

• ACCESS on the beach is only available through the designated walkovers, pathways, and Beach Access Locations provided.
• BEACH EQUIPMENT including chairs, umbrellas, canopy frames, blankets, towels, toys, electronic devices, and other personal items must be removed by the end of each day (NOTE: tents larger than 400 sq. feet will need to be inspected prior to use- call 910-201-8053 for more information)
• DUNES: Walking, running, playing, climbing, or other traffic of any kind on, or across the sand dunes and sand berms is PROHIBITED except in designated access areas (CLICK HERE for a complete list of all Beach Access Locations).
• EMERGENCY VEHICLE ACCESSES must remain clear and open! Beach equipment or personal property is not allowed within fifteen (15') feet of emergency vehicle accesses, or within ten (10') feet of marked sea turtle nests.
• GLASS CONTAINERS are not allowed on the beach or in the beach accesses.
• HOLES must be filled and leveled prior to leaving the beach for the day, to ensure the safety of others, as well as nesting sea turtles. DO NOT dig large holes, as these can collapse or fill in with water and lead to potentially fatal injuries from crushing, suffocation, or drowning. 
• METAL DETECTING is allowed in the public beach areas, as long as activities do not encroach on any personal property lines. Please remember to practice safe and responsible detecting: do not dig in uncertain areas, do not handle questionable materials, and be sure to fill in all holes / divots created.
• PIERS do not allow swimming or any other recreational activity within 250 feet of any commercial or public pier. Surfing is further prohibited up to 350 feet. Nothing may be hanged from or attached to any portion of the Pier (including the pilings, braces, rails, benches, and anything connected to the Pier) unless directed by the Town Manager or their designee. CLICK HERE for recent Town Ordinance updates.
• PETS must be on a physical leash (strap, rope, chain, etc.) when in the public beach areas from March 16 - October 15 (NOTE: voice command and / or electronic leashes are not recognized as adequate restraints). Additionally:
  • All dogs must be physically restrained and under control by owner / keeper at all times
  • If a dog exhibits aggression toward other dogs or people, it must be removed from the public areas immediately
  • Shade and fresh water must be provided for dogs kept outside
  • Owners shall properly and promptly remove and dispose of all feces left by their dog(s)
  • CLICK HERE to view FULL dog / pet information
• TRASH must be removed completely from the beach area and disposed of in the containers  provided at all public Beach Access Locations (please leave the beach better than you found it!).
• VEHICLES / ELECTRIC BICYCLES or any other type of electric are vehicle are NOT ALLOWED on the beach strand facing the Atlantic Ocean and / or Lockwood Folly Inlet (the Point) or the sand dunes within the town limits. Exceptions: Town-approved mobility-assistance devices, and police cars, fire trucks, emergency rescue equipment or other official vehicles in the performance of official duties. CLICK HERE to view Town Ordinance 28-5. 
• WEDDINGS / EVENTS Small ceremonies or gatherings on the beach do NOT require a Special Event Permit permit; however obtaining a permit is recommended, so that first responders can be aware of your group's location if emergency response is needed.

WHY ARE THESE RULES IN PLACE?

In a word, “SAFETY!” in addition to showing a lack of concern for the environment, littered trash and glass containers in particular can become a serious injury hazard for humans and their pets walking along the beach, as well as wild animals who may ingest these items by accident.  

• CLICK HERE to visit the Beach Safety Information page

An unattended tent or canopy can easily be taken by the wind and cause damage to property, or serious injury to humans and wildlife, such as nesting sea turtles. Even if a canopy has the fabric removed, the bare frame can still be difficult to see at night and create a tripping hazard for humans and wildlife.

Just as dangerous, large holes can collapse or fill in with water, leading to potentially fatal injuries from crushing, suffocation, or drowning.

Both beach equipment and holes can present a serious COLLISION hazard during nighttime emergency response from the Oak Island Police Department, the Oak Island Fire Department, Oak Island Water Rescue, or other emergency services.

The Town of Oak Island wants all residents and visitors to have a fun and safe summer, but being safe also means being responsible. If holes or equipment are left unattended, then no one is using them for fun anyway; so they are simply becoming a hazard to those around them.  

FINES will be issued as directed under the Town Ordinances, starting as a civil penalty of $100.00 for the first violation, $200.00 for the second violation, and escalating to a criminal offense after the second violation or at the officer's discretion. Each day that someone is in violation will constitute a new and separate offense.

CLICK HERE for a complete listing of the Town's Code of Ordinances