Oak Island, NC — Oak Island Water Rescue, a nonprofit all‑volunteer emergency response team, continues to serve as a key resource for water‑related emergencies on Oak Island and across Brunswick County. The 24‑member team assists local police and fire departments, as well as the U.S. Coast Guard, with swimmer and boater rescues, missing‑person searches, and in‑shore search‑and‑rescue operations.
Formed in 1997 after a rise in water emergencies, the team began with donated equipment and community fundraising before expanding its fleet and capabilities through local support and grants. Its headquarters on Pelican Drive, built in 2004, was heavily damaged during Hurricane Isaias but restored with volunteer labor and community assistance.
The team has responded to hundreds of calls over the past two decades, including several rescues that drew national attention. Oak Island Water Rescue has also embraced new technology, operating aerial drones and an unmanned surface vessel, and provides public safety information such as daily rip‑current flag updates.
Approaching its 30th anniversary, the team continues year‑round training in boat operations, surf rescue, first aid, CPR, and hurricane response. Its volunteers come from a wide range of professional backgrounds but share a commitment to water safety and community service.
Oak Island Water Rescue is located at 4901 E. Pelican Drive, Oak Island.
Be the first to comment