Oak Island Water Rescue, Inc.

Want to join us in making a difference? We are raising money to benefit Oak Island Water Rescue Team, and any donation will help make an impact. Thanks in advance for your contribution to this cause that means so much to us.

Here's our story:

While on vacation in Oak Island, NC, our 8 year old son was suddenly swept nearly a half mile out to sea on an inflatable raft. He was saved by the volunteers from the Oak Island Water Rescue team.

The incident occurred in surprisingly calm waters with no rip currents in the forecast. It was a seemingly perfect day to be at the beach. The rescue team told us later there was an unusual wind pattern that day blowing from land out to sea. The large float acted as a sail as gusts of wind carried our son from the edge of the beach out to sea faster than we could reach out or swim to him. We called 911 immediately. We anxiously awaited a rescue boat for what seemed an eternity. We felt helpless. In reality, it was a matter of minutes before we saw the Oak Island Water Rescue truck pulling a rescue raft onto the beach. The team quickly and efficiently launched the raft directly into the ocean. They started the raft’s motor. It stalled. Our hearts stopped. After a little sputter, it successfully started on the second try. They reached our son quickly and brought him safely back to shore. A member of the rescue team carried him to our arms. We hugged. Cried. Exhaled. 

We will be forever grateful for the Oak Island Water Rescue team for saving our son, but that doesn’t feel like enough. With your help, we hope to help them. They are a non-profit emergency response team of over 20 volunteers who selflessly give their time to aid swimmers and boaters in distress. They rely greatly on private fundraising efforts to update their equipment and supplies. Their trucks, boats, rafts and motors are nearly 20 years old. They would like to add drone technology and an airboat/hovercraft to expand their rescue capabilities. There is a great amount of need in this world and this may seem small in comparison to others. Together, we can help these amazing people save more lives by donating to their organization. Thank you for your consideration.