COASTAL NC -- Millions of dollars are spent annually to keep the shorelines ready for summer.

• Erosion is a concern on the coast.
• Escarpments (sand cliffs) can pop up quickly due to erosion. 
• Can be dangerous to beach-goers, especially at night. 

But as we approach Hurricane season, future erosion remains a big concern for beach towns along our coast.

In the past, heavy waves pounding the shore have caused escarpments, which are basically cliffs or drop-offs.

New Hanover County’s Shore Protection said it’s a problem that can pop up any time of the year and can be dangerous for beach-goers.

"Walking on the beach at night when there's a large escarpment, that can be dangerous. You can fall off one of those things and hurt yourself,” said Layton Bedsol.

Renourishment efforts have helped smooth the sand on New Hanover County beaches but Bedsol said they’ll continue to monitor the beaches to watch out for any escarpments that may pop up so that everyone stays safe.