Tuesday, August 22, 2006

Wilmington, N.C. - Due to severe weather advisories by the National Weather Service, University of North Carolina Wilmington officials have cancelled Beach Blast and Beach Sweep, originally scheduled to take place between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., today, Aug. 22, near the Oceanic Pier at Wrightsville Beach.

The event was cancelled due to a prediction from the National Weather Service for high possibility of severe thunderstorms and frequent lightening strikes starting mid-day. The primary concern of university officials is student safety. Once the event began, and many students were on the beach, it would have been difficult to move them off the beach in a timely manner when severe weather started.

In keeping with the goals of Beach Blast to have a fun and safe event for the students of UNCW, event coordinators do not feel this is possible with the impending weather. Although Beach Blast will not be rescheduled for this academic year, Beach Sweep will be scheduled for another date and time.

UNCW recognizes and appreciates the efforts of the Wrightsville Beach community to grant the opportunity to have this event. UNCW is maintaining the additional Wrightsville Beach police presence on duty at the site in case students and others arrive on their own. UNCW officials also will be on site.

Students are being advised of other opportunities available on campus today, including volleyball at the Student Recreation Center and at the Gazebo, Sharkey's Game Room in the Fisher Student Center is open, and a special showing of Ferris Bueller's Day Off will take place in Lumina Theatre at 1 p.m.

Media contacts are Dr. Michael Walker, 910/962-3117 or Carolyn Farley, 910/962-7433.