News Summary
Two shark bites were reported on Hilton Head Island within a week, prompting safety concerns among beachgoers. The incidents involved a young girl and another swimmer, both sustaining non-life-threatening injuries. Officials have issued safety precautions to minimize further risks, highlighting the rarity of shark attacks despite recent events. Visitors are urged to remain vigilant while swimming and to follow safety measures.
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina – Two separate shark bites were reported on Hilton Head Island within one week in June 2025, raising safety concerns among beachgoers. The incidents occurred on June 17 and June 23, prompting local officials and marine experts to issue safety precautions for swimmers.
The first incident took place around noon on June 17, when a 12-year-old girl was bitten while swimming near the Sea Pines Beach Club. The young girl sustained non-life-threatening injuries, which included lacerations to her lower right leg. Lifeguards on duty provided immediate assistance, and she was subsequently airlifted to a hospital in Savannah, Georgia, for further treatment.
Just days later, on June 23, another swimmer was bitten in the leg while at Coligny Beach Park. This individual also received initial treatment onsite for non-life-threatening injuries before being transported to a nearby hospital. Fortunately, both instances resulted in injuries that were treatable, and no fatalities were reported.
Hilton Head Island is a well-known summer vacation destination, attracting numerous families, particularly from Ohio. This year, the beach has become a focal point for caution due to the rare occurrences of shark bites. Beach officials, alongside marine specialists, have urged all visitors to practice increased vigilance while enjoying water activities.
In light of these incidents, beach safety measures have been emphasized. Visitors are advised to swim near lifeguards, avoid swimming at dawn or dusk when sharks are most active, and exit the water if there is noticeable wildlife activity in the area. These guidelines aim to minimize the risk of shark encounters and ensure a safer ocean experience for all beachgoers.
Additionally, these incidents follow a prior shark bite on June 11, where a 9-year-old girl suffered severe injuries to her hand in Boca Grande, Florida. While these incidents highlight the potential dangers of ocean swimming, experts consistently emphasize that shark attacks remain extremely rare. Statistically, the odds of being bitten are significantly lower than the chances of being struck by lightning.
It is important to note that the majority of shark species do not target humans. Only a few species are known to be implicated in most reported attacks, and incidents such as those on Hilton Head Island are uncommon. Safety measures that beachgoers can take include swimming together in groups, staying close to shore to avoid open waters, and refraining from wearing bright colors or shiny jewelry, as these can attract sharks.
The recent events have created a heightened awareness of ocean safety along the popular coastline of Hilton Head Island. Officials continue to monitor the situation closely, working to inform the public about the safety recommendations provided. As families flock to the beaches, the hope remains that these preventative measures will minimize any further incidents, allowing everyone to enjoy the ocean safely.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Hilton Head Island Reports Pair of Shark Attacks
Shark Attacks Raise Concerns on Hilton Head Island
Shark Bites Raise Concerns on Hilton Head Island
Hilton Head Island Reports Two Shark Attacks in Under a Week
Hilton Head Island Faces Increased Shark Attack Concerns
Shark Bite Incident at Coligny Beach Park on Hilton Head Island
Shark Bites Reported at Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Two Shark Bite Incidents Reported on Hilton Head Island
Additional Resources
- AccuWeather: Shark Bites in South Carolina and Florida
- Wikipedia: Shark Attack
- Island Packet: Shark Attacks Reported
- Google Search: Shark Bites Hilton Head Island
- People: Shark Attacks in South Carolina
- Google Scholar: Shark Bites Prevention
- WSAV: Multiple Shark Bites Lead to Safety Questions
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Shark
- ABC News: Shark Attack on Hilton Head Island
- Google News: Shark Attack Safety Tips
Author: STAFF HERE HILTON HEAD
HILTON HEAD STAFF WRITER The HILTON HEAD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHiltonHead.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hilton Head Island, Beaufort County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the RBC Heritage golf tournament, Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival, and the Gullah Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce and Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, plus leading businesses in tourism and hospitality that power the local economy such as Sea Pines Resort and Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
