Monthly Newsletter: May, 2026
- 10 hours ago
- 4 min read
From Sheriff Hammonds
In April, your Sheriff’s Office responded to several serious incidents, including domestic assaults and property crimes. While keeping our county safe, our team also had the pleasure of participating in many of our local school activities and awareness events. Our deputies were also honored to show their support for our Special Olympics athletes.
As we approach May and many of us head to the river and the sound, I ask all boaters to help keep our waters safe by reviewing and practicing state boating laws and general best practices. May is also filled with events, including the Law Enforcement Torch Run, the NC Fossil Festival, and several charitable events open to the public. I encourage you to support your community and enjoy all that Beaufort County has to offer.
Thank you for partnering with us to keep Beaufort County safe.
Looking Back at April
Public Safety Incidents
In April 2026, the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office responded to several serious incidents, including a domestic dispute at a rest area that resulted in a stabbing, the arrest of a Pantego man for stealing farm equipment, and charges of attempted first-degree murder against the father of a four-year-old child. The month also included a death investigation, a grand jury indictment connected to a 2023 death investigation, and multiple fraud alerts, including scams involving fake parking and speeding tickets, package deliveries, and law enforcement impersonations.
Click here to learn more about these stories.
Community Engagement Stories
In April 2026, the Beaufort County Sheriff's Office participated in several school career days and community events to promote public safety, build relationships, and highlight careers in law enforcement and public service. Deputies and staff visited Bath Elementary, Northeast Elementary, Chocowinity Middle School, and Unity Christian Academy to speak with students, answer questions, and give them a hands-on look at law enforcement equipment and vehicles. The agency also joined the Paint the Town Blue Children's Parade in recognition of Child Abuse Prevention Month, celebrated National Telecommunicators Week by honoring the work of our 911 communications professionals, supported Special Olympics athletes in Beaufort and Hyde counties, and invested in professional development through a training institute for the Jail Administrator.
Click here to learn more about these stories.
Looking Forward to May
May Safety Tips: Boating & Water Safety
As the weather warms up, many of us head to the water. A few simple precautions can help prevent tragedies and keep your boating experience enjoyable.
On the Boat & Around the Water
Keep these important reminders in mind every time you head out on the water:
Show/Hide Tips
Have Life Jackets for Everyone: Ensure everyone on board has a life jacket readily available. Children under 13 must wear a life jacket on a moving boat unless they are in an enclosed cabin.
Wear your Emergency Cut-Off Switch Lanyard: Always use one whenever your boat is underway.
Enforce Passenger Safety: Remind passengers to stay safely seated inside the boat while in motion.
Don’t Operate a Boat while Consuming Alcohol: Alcohol is a leading factor in fatal boating incidents. Always designate a sober operator.
Respect “No Wake” and Swim Zones: Obey posted signs, slow down near docks and shorelines, and keep a sharp lookout for swimmers, paddlers, and other boats.
Watch the Weather: Check forecasts before you launch, and head in early if you see dark clouds, lightning, or rough water.
Manage your Fuel Reserves: Remember the one-third rule. Use one third of your fuel to go out, one third to come back, and keep one third for unexpected events.
Never Swim Alone: Use a buddy system and have a responsible “water watcher” focused on swimmers, especially children and inexperienced swimmers.
Before You Go Checklist
Before you launch, verify that your vessel meets all legal requirements and is equipped with essential safety gear:
Show/Hide Tips
Boating Safety Course: Most operators must complete a boating safety course.
Vessel Registration: Ensure all motorized vessels are registered and properly display current numbers and decals.
Life Jackets: Keep enough life jackets on board for everyone, and make sure they are appropriately sized.
Throwable Flotation Devices: These are required for boats that are 16 feet or longer.
Distress Signals: Carry a horn or whistle to signal other vessels. If on coastal or federal waters, also have visual distress signals like flares.
Navigation Lighting: Equip your vessel with sufficient lighting for safe operation in low-visibility conditions.
First Aid Kit: Stock your first-aid kit with essentials to clean wounds, stop bleeding, and treat minor illnesses.
Fire Extinguishers: Confirm that your fire extinguishers meet the requirements for your vessel.
Anchors: Ensure you have sufficient anchoring line for the waters in which you will be operating.
Communication Devices: Carry a waterproof mobile phone and a VHF marine radio for communication.
Charts & Maps: If you use electronic devices for navigation, always keep a physical chart or map as a backup.
Float Plans: Share a simple float plan with someone you trust that includes your destination, the names of those on board, and your expected return time.
Paddlecraft and Personal Watercraft
Kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, and personal watercraft must follow many of the same basic safety rules as powerboats. Paddlers and Personal Watercraft Operators should:
Show/Hide Tips
Wear a life jacket at all times.
Use bright colors or lights to increase visibility.
Carry a whistle and a waterproof way to call for help.
Avoid high‑traffic channels whenever possible.
For more information about boating laws and safety, visit NC Wildlife | Laws & Safety.
Upcoming Events
Show your support for our community by participating in the following events.
Show/Hide Events
How to Reach Us
Non-emergency (24hr): (252) 946‑7111
Website: www.beaufortcountysheriff.org
Crime Tips: www.p3tips.com
Was this newsletter helpful?
Leave us a message in the Contact Us form below to let us know what you'd like to see next month.