vacation in July with grandchildren

Hi - my first time to this site and am finding wonderful information. We are renting a home on swan beach in July with our 2 young grandchildren. We have a 4 wheel drive Expediation so I think we will be ok as far as the driving goes. How is the ocean swimming there? Any helpful hints welcome. Thanks

vacation in July with grandchildren

You will be fine with the Expedition-air down tires, low gear (we go down to 20 or below with our Exped) and pack a shovel in the back just in case you get stuck. Also pay attention to the tide if you are parked on the beach-it can come up quick!

Water can be very rough and unpredictable all up and down the coast. Watch for drop offs and of course never turn your back on the water of the kids.

Below is info on rip currents, a common occurrence on the OBX.

http://www.ripcurrents.noaa.gov/

We have vacationed there since our 15 year old was 2, no problems ever with him, although I was caught in a rip while floating on a raft, familarize yourself and those with you as to what to do.

vacation in July with grandchildren

Thank you so much for the reply and the helpful hints - I will definately educate myself and family to the tides and riptides. Should we take our vehicle to the beach when we go down? I have read that traffic of 4 x 4 rentals can be bad. I want the children to be able to play on the sand and in the water.

Please keep in mind that Corolla only allows beach driving from October 1st through April 30th. There is no driving on the beaches in the summer, except the 4 wheel drive area north of Corolla.

We will be staying at a home that is only accessible by 4 x 4 vehicle - Swan Beach.

olay regenerist