Rips, Tides, and Quality

For the most accurate and up-to-date information on Sunset Beach’s weather, water quality, and tides:

  • Check the NCDMF Recreational Water Quality site for any water advisories, bacterial contamination warnings, and general water safety information.
  • Review the NOAA Tides and Currents data to track the tides, including timing and height, as well as any weather-related impact on tidal patterns.

These two resources will help you stay informed about beach conditions, potential hazards, and optimal times for beach activities.



1. Recreational Water Quality (North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries):

  • The North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries (NCDMF) monitors recreational water quality in coastal areas, including Sunset Beach, NC. They conduct water quality testing to ensure the safety of swimming and other recreational activities.
  • Water Quality Monitoring: Routine monitoring involves checking for enterococcus bacteria, an indicator of potential contamination from sewage or animal waste. High levels of these bacteria may pose health risks to beachgoers.
  • Advisories and Warnings: If water quality testing shows elevated bacteria levels, an advisory or warning is issued. This typically means people should avoid swimming or water-related activities in the affected areas.
  • Shellfish Harvesting: The program also provides updates on shellfish harvesting conditions, as bacteria levels can impact shellfish safety. Areas with unsafe water quality are closed to harvesting to protect public health.

To check for any current advisories, it is recommended to visit the official page regularly or sign up for notifications about water quality updates for Sunset Beach. These advisories are updated after each round of testing.

Link: Recreational Water Quality

2. Tides and Currents (NOAA - Sunset Beach):

  • The NOAA Tides and Currents website provides detailed tidal data for Sunset Beach, NC, including current tide predictions, historical data, and future tide charts.
  • Tide Information: You can find information on high and low tides, tide heights, and timing for each day, which is crucial for beachgoers, boaters, and anyone involved in water sports or recreational activities.
  • Weather Impact on Tides: NOAA also provides context about how weather systems like hurricanes, cold fronts, or storms can impact tides, making this a useful resource to monitor for warnings or advisories related to extreme weather events.

To access live data on tides and current forecasts specific to Sunset Beach, you can use their station’s data page. This will allow you to plan your beach visits around tidal conditions for the best experience.

Link: NOAA Tides and Currents