OUTER BANKS, N.C. — Digging holes at the beach isn't a new thing, but a new TikTok trend of digging large holes, which are several feet deep, could have dangerous consequences.   

What You Need To Know

• Digging deep holes several feet deep is an emerging trend on TikTok

• N.C. officials say the act is a dangerous new trend that has already resulted in deaths in other states

• Holes, both shallow and deep, left unattended create hazards for sea turtles and people

Ocean Rescue in the Outer Banks held a press conference in June urging people to fill in their holes after deaths were reported in other states.

“The holes have become quite a big issue. It's almost as if people didn't hear the advisory or they decided it was a good idea to see what they could get away with,” Ben Battaile, assistant supervisor with Ocean Rescue in Kill Devil Hills, said. 

Battaile has worked with Ocean Rescue for over 17 years and responded to all kinds of emergencies, but says they've been finding more holes this summer than ever before. 

It's not just the large holes causing issues, however. He says shallow holes can cause injuries to people walking on the beach, as well as issues for nesting sea turtles that are already an endangered species.

“As you can imagine, if a sea turtle ran into this it would most likely not end well for the sea turtle. It would more then likely be stuck,” Battaile said.

The holes can also be risky for rescue vehicles, and having to fill holes takes lifeguards away from important work. 

“If I'm doing this, what am I not doing? I could be coaching staff, I could be responding to emergencies,” Battaile said.

The mayor of Nags Head has even said he'd like to see criminal penalties for leaving large holes.

While some recommend harsher punishments for leaving holes, Ocean Rescue is focused on educating beach visitors in hopes they'll understand the severity of the problem.

“No matter what's on the books or written in the law, so, we are trying to educate the public the best we can — how to just have a good day and just have everyone go home. We say, 'here on the Outer Banks, leave only footprints.' So come out here, enjoy it, bring all your toys and have a good time, but take everything you bring on the beach off the beach and fill in your holes,” Battaile said.

Ocean Rescue recommends contacting a lifeguard if you see someone leaving large holes, and in case of an emergency, always contact 911.