The New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office and the N.C. Division of Coastal Management are urging the public to act responsibly during the July Fourth holiday at the Masonboro Island Reserve, a research reserve and dedicated state nature preserve.
For the 2017 holiday, the state coastal agency and the sheriff’s office are working together to provide for public safety and increase public awareness of responsible visitor behavior on the island. The agencies would like to remind visitors not to attempt the dangerous swim across Masonboro Inlet.
“We place visitor safety first and above all else at Masonboro Island during the July Fourth holiday,” said Braxton Davis, director of the N.C. Division of Coastal Management. “We’ve had a strong partnership with the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office during the past several years, and my hope is their presence will again deter illegal activities and help keep everyone safe while they enjoy the holiday.”
In past years, unofficial Fourth of July parties on the island have resulted in a growing number of arrests for underage drinking and fighting, along with boating violations, accidents and injuries. An increased law enforcement presence in recent years, along with public outreach prior to the holiday, has helped significantly decrease potentially dangerous behavior at the event.