The incident occurred amid hazardous surf conditions as visitors accessed the beach from various public walkovers across the island.
Aug. 2, 2026
HOLDEN BEACH, NC — Two adults died Saturday morning after emergency crews responded to reports of a couple of swimmers struggling in the ocean near the 1100 block of Ocean Boulevard West.
Holden Beach Police Chief Steven Barger said a 9-1-1 call was received around 9:43 a.m. reporting two people in the ocean appear to be in distress. First responders reached the scene and located the couple in the water. Despite efforts to revive both adults, resuscitation attempts were unsuccessful.
The release stated, “The Town of Holden Beach extends its deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims during this difficult time, our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this tragic loss.”
Brunswick County beaches are presently under a Beach Red Flag Warning, indicating a high risk of rip currents. Holden Beach does not provide permanent lifeguards on the strand, and the town does not fly hazard‑warning flags at every public access. The island features numerous designated public beach access ways and wooden walkovers marked by North Carolina Division of Coastal Management (CAMA) signs, but many smaller neighborhood‑level walkovers do not include flag poles or daily surf‑condition signage. As a result, some visitors may enter the beach without seeing the day’s hazard designation.
The identities of the deceased are being withheld until family members can be notified.
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