On a hot Saturday during Labor Day weekend, Raleigh Beach was a popular spot for kayaking and tubing.
However, despite the serene setting, the area has proven to be dangerous this summer.
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Just two weeks ago, three people were rescued from the Neuse River at this very access point due to elevated water levels from Tropical Storm Debby.
This followed a drowning incident at the same location at the end of July—the fourth reported drowning since May.
Following these events, the city of Raleigh implemented safety measures, including warning signs in English and Spanish and a gate to restrict vehicle access.
"We were watching the water levels, and right now it’s actually pretty low; it’s actually pretty perfect," said Jeff Debonzo, a Raleigh Beach visitor.
WRAL News spoke with Debonzo who said he has seen a sharp decline in visitor numbers since the gate was put in place.
"We’ve only seen a few people here since the gate went up—nothing like the usual crowds; it used to be hundreds of cars," Debonzo said. "Fewer irresponsible people, I guess. Personally, I’d prefer to keep it open and let people enjoy themselves, even though it can get pretty wild on summer weekends."
Aidan Salvatore, who lives near Raleigh Beach, said that despite the city’s efforts to slow down cars and large crowds by closing the entrance gate, there hasn’t been much change.
"It’s not showing that it’s being closed down or anything, and people think it’s open," Salvatore said.
He suggests removing the location from Google Maps entirely after frequently seeing first responders outside his door.
"There’s only so much that I can do. I just want to make sure everyone is safe as much as I possibly can," Salvatore said.
Raleigh is continuing to collaborate with Knightdale and local nonprofits to determine further steps beyond the signage and gate.