I can only answer for places I've stayed: Corolla Light has lifeguards, and I'm pretty sure that a resort called Four Seasons in Duck had them also. I've been to NC in June and it's been quite hot, but I'm sure that varies from year to year.

I am not a strong swimmer and my vacation was so much more relaxing knowing that the beach we were on had a lifeguard. Not for one minute do I depend on lifeguards to "watch" my children. However, I feel more comfortable knowing that if I think the kids need help, I can quickly and safely get them out by grabbing the lifeguard. Last summer the lifeguard cleared out a section of the water (where one of our boys was swimming). He told us that there was a riptide that he kept the swimmers away from. Without the presence of the lifeguard we would have had no way of knowing that there was potential danger. Also the lifeguards are in radio contact with other guards. They helped find several "wandering" children while we there. Keep in mind that many beaches are not lifeguard protected. I also found that the Realtors were not very knowledgeable about this. We stayed in Ocean Sands section P in Corolla, turned out that this specific beach is protected into October, many other beaches lose their lifeguards because they go back to college in August. I also know that several sub-divisions (ex. Schooners Ridge in Duck) have their own lifeguards.

We've stayed in South Nags Head, Nags Head, Kill Devil Hills, and Ocean Sands. All have great restaurants within a few minutes drive.

Nags Head is certainly more centrally located for visiting multiple attractions, but we prefer the more quiet northen beaches. Ocean Sands is just south of Corolla. That's where we've stayed the last 4 times.

This September we're staying at Pine Island, which is north of Duck, but south of Corolla and Ocean Sands. We're really looking forward to it.

Thanks to all for this post. We stayed in Avon last year mid-June and the weather & water temps were both great. However, there really wasn't much to do other than the beach. Will try one of the other towns mentioned here this year.

ttt