
ABOUT
OIWR
ABOUT US.
Oak Island Water Rescue is a non-profit 24-member volunteer emergency response team that aids swimmers and boaters in distress. We also assist the Oak Island Police Department and Oak Island Fire Department with missing persons and beach transfers, as well as the United States Coast Guard with in-shore Search and Rescue operations.
HISTORY.
Oak Island Water Rescue (OIWR) was founded in November 1997 by a group of volunteers from other local fire and rescue departments concerned about a sharp rise in water-related emergencies off of Oak Island. Prior to the founding of OIWR water related emergencies had to be handled by the Coast Guard or come from agencies off island. The nascent team initially met at the Coast Guard Station Oak Island before moving to a storefront at 64th street with a compound out back for equipment. From the beginning support from the community was essential to the team’s founding and growth – car washes, bucket drives and donation jars in local businesses were initially the only sources of funding.
The first team vehicle was a retired wagon style ambulance donated by the Bolivia fire department, followed by an old Chevrolet Caprice with over 200,000 miles bought from the Sherrif’s department. The first boat the team acquired was a roll up inflatable boat that came from New Jersey. The Team’s first new boats were Zodiac inflatables purchased in the early 2000s. (could we insert some pics of some of the older boats and vehicles – several on the walls in the training room) Over the years thanks to support from the community, Brunswick County, the Town of Oak Island and grants our vehicles and boats have advanced significantly! (link to page showing current boats, trucks and drones?)
In 2004 construction began on our current building at 49th Street and Pelican on a portion of a lot owned by the Town of Oak Island. Members donated hundreds of hours of time to oversee and participate in the construction of the building while also running calls for service. Having a dedicated space for equipment storage, meetings and administration of the team was a huge step forward. The building was badly damaged during Hurricane Isaias in 2020, requiring major repairs to the structure, interior and contents. Once again, the community stepped forward with financial and in kind support and our members dedicated hundreds of hours to overseeing and making repairs. Fortunately, all trucks and boats had been relocated to higher ground ahead of the storm so we remained operational and did not have any vehicle or vessel losses. (there are pictures of damage on the current website if we wanted to put a couple in).
In 2021 OIWR began posting the current rip current flag status on our website and in partnership with local businesses distributing magnets with a QR code and posting signs at beach access to allow residents and visitors easy access to the information. Oak Island Water Rescue has been innovative in the use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) securing our first drone in 2019. We now have a fleet of two aerial drones and one remote unmanned surface vessel – Dolphin 1.
Oak Island Water Rescue has been involved in hundreds of calls ranging from the routine to the harrowing over the last 25 plus years. A few calls in recent years received national or even international attention. Including the hovercraft rescue of kayakers stuck in chest-deep mud and a child blown away from shore on a unicorn float.
As we approach our 30th anniversary in 2027, Oak Island Water Rescue remains an all-volunteer resource for the town of Oak Island and Brunswick County dedicated to continuing to enhance our skills and equipment. In 2024 we brought in an outside trainer to conduct Public Safety Rescue Boat and Surf Boat training and certification. In 2025 we are adding Hurricane Response Technician certifications to the offerings. Throughout the year we train on boat operations, surf launches, mud rescue techniques, first aid and CPR, search and rescue and much more! Our 24 rescue volunteers and 10 auxiliary members remain ready to respond to needs of the community and the team. Our members range from commercial pilots, charter boat captains, school teachers, former nurses, paramedics, law enforcement and firefighters, technology and cyber security experts. We all share a love of the water and serving the community!