News Summary
A 19-year-old man was hospitalized following a skimboarding accident near Avalon Fishing Pier in Kill Devil Hills. The incident occurred when the teen fell and struck a pier piling. Bystanders quickly alerted authorities after noticing the teen floating face down in the ocean. Emergency responders provided first aid, and he was later airlifted to a trauma facility for further treatment. The local community has emphasized the importance of immediate help in emergencies, particularly for beachgoers engaging in water sports.
Kill Devil Hills, N.C.
A 19-year-old man was hospitalized after a skimboarding accident near the Avalon Fishing Pier on Tuesday evening. The incident occurred around 5:54 p.m. when the teen fell while skimboarding and reportedly struck one of the pier’s pilings.
Witnesses to the accident quickly alerted authorities as they noticed the man floating face down in the ocean, prompting multiple 911 calls. A bystander, who witnessed the incident, managed to pull the teenager from the water, potentially saving his life.
Emergency response crews from the Kill Devil Hills Police and Fire Departments, Ocean Rescue, and Dare County EMS arrived promptly at the scene. A police officer who was among the first responders administered initial first aid until additional medical support arrived. Following the emergency response procedures, the man was transported by Dare County EMS to the Outer Banks Hospital for further evaluation and treatment.
Due to the severity of his injuries, the young man was subsequently airlifted by Dare MedFlight to another facility that specializes in trauma care for additional treatment. Details regarding his current condition remain undisclosed.
The Town of Kill Devil Hills expressed appreciation for the quick response and actions taken by bystanders and emergency personnel. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of swift action in emergency situations. Local officials have emphasized that if beachgoers find themselves in a crisis when no lifeguard is present, they should immediately dial 911 to get help.
Safety Measures and Lifeguard Availability
Ocean Rescue lifeguards are stationed on the beaches daily from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., from Memorial Day through Labor Day. These lifeguards are trained to handle a variety of emergency scenarios, providing an essential safety net for beachgoers.
It is critical for individuals partaking in water sports, such as skimboarding, to remain aware of their surroundings and abide by safety guidelines to prevent accidents. Parents and guardians are advised to keep a close eye on young and inexperienced swimmers or individuals engaging in water activities.
Background on Skimboarding
Skimboarding is a popular water sport that involves gliding over the surface of the water on a small, specialized board. Practitioners typically launch themselves from the shore into shallow water, performing tricks or racing on the waves. However, the activity can carry risks, particularly in crowded areas or near structures such as piers.
The proximity to piers and other obstacles can lead to dangerous situations, as this incident has highlighted. Skimboarders are encouraged to practice in designated areas where safety measures, such as lifeguard supervision, are readily available.
As tourism to the beach areas continues to grow, local authorities are dedicated to providing a safe environment for both visitors and residents. Ongoing educational campaigns and resources aim to promote safe practices around water sports, assisting individuals in making informed decisions while enjoying beach activities.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Wavy: Man Injured in OBX Skimboarding Accident
- Wikipedia: Skimboarding
- 13 News Now: Teen in Hospital After Skimboarding Accident
- Google Search: Skimboarding Safety
- Wavy: NTSB Releases Preliminary Report Into Outer Banks Plane Crash
- Google Scholar: Skimboarding Accidents
- Wavy: Bird Flu Believed to be Cause of Death for Dead Birds on OBX
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Skimboarding
Author: STAFF HERE OUTER BANKS WRITER
The OBX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOBX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in the Outer Banks, Dare County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Outer Banks Seafood Festival, NC VIP Fishing Tournament, and NCBBA Red Drum Tournament. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce and Outer Banks Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in tourism, retail, and hospitality that power the local economy such as Kitty Hawk Kites, Outer Banks Mall, and Avon Fishing Pier. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HERERaleigh.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
