CoastPulse beach report
Carolina Beach
Forecast for Sep 16, 2026
Data as of Sep 15, 2026 at 8:07 PM EDT
Best move
The beach can still be a great outing, but the ocean needs extra respect today. With moderate rip-current risk, stay close to a lifeguard, keep young or less confident swimmers out of deeper water, and watch the flags.
Rip-current outlook
Moderate risk
Use extra caution. Stay near lifeguards and keep weaker swimmers out of deeper water.
At a glance
What the beach looks like
Planning ahead
Next forecast periods
Wednesday
Sunny
Thursday
Sunny
Friday
Sunny
Plan your window
Tides for 09-16-2026
NOAA station 8658559
| Event | Time | Height |
|---|---|---|
| Low | 2026-09-16 05:16 | 0.6 ft |
| High | 2026-09-16 11:59 | 4.9 ft |
| Low | 2026-09-16 18:22 | 1.0 ft |
Parking
Town-operated parking is open year-round; paid parking is enforced March 1 through October 31 from 9 AM to 8 PM, and rates are approved annually and may change.
Lifeguards
The lifeguard season runs from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. Stated duty hours are 10 AM to 5 PM Monday through Thursday and 10 AM to 7 PM Friday through Sunday; swim near a lifeguard.
Trust the timing
Sources and report timing
Forecast for: Sep 16, 2026
Data as of: Sep 15, 2026 at 8:07 PM EDT
Generated: 2026-09-16T00:07:06.342844Z
- National Weather Service forecast · 2026-09-16T00:07:05.862257Z
- NWS Wilmington Surf Zone Forecast · 2026-09-16T00:07:04.845640Z
- NWS active alerts · 2026-09-16T00:07:06.342822Z
- NC DEQ recreational water quality · 2026-09-16T00:07:04.392333Z
- Sunrise and sunset — NOAA solar calculation · 2026-09-16T00:07:06.107309Z
- NOAA CO-OPS tide predictions · 2026-09-16T00:07:06.107208Z