DARE COUNTY, N.C. — A North Carolina man died while swimming in the ocean off Cape Hatteras National Seashore in the Outer Banks Friday morning.
In a press release, the National Park Service (NPS) said the incident happened near the northern entrance to the village of Buxton, North Carolina. The victim was a 55-year-old man from Horse Shoe, which is close to Asheville. NPS did not say who he was.
Shortly before 11 a.m., a friend of the victim called 911 to report the incident. He said that the man felt fatigued while swimming in the ocean and didn't have a floatation device.
Swimmers with the Hatteras Island Rescue Squad went into the ocean and brought the man to shore. The rescue squad and Dare County EMS tried to perform CPR, but the man ultimately passed away.
According to NPS, authorities don't believe rip currents were a factor in the man's death.
On its website, Cape Hatteras National Seashore has tips for safe swimming in the ocean. Here's what they recommend:
- Swim at beaches patrolled by lifeguards if they're available.
- Always swim with a friend, and have adult supervision for kids.
- Know the various types of ocean currents and how to get out of them.
- Use U.S. Coast Guard-approved flotation vests if you don't know how to swim or aren't strong enough.
- Avoid wearing shiny objects that could attract sharks and other fish.
- Check the rip current and weather forecast.
- Avoid swimming where danger is present. This includes rough seas, in inlets, around piers, at night and during storms.