News Summary

Two residents from Georgia drowned at separate beaches in South Carolina within days of each other, raising alarms about water safety as Independence Day approaches. The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office confirmed both incidents involved 69 and 65-year-old men at Hilton Head Island and Hunting Island State Park, respectively. Officials are now urging beachgoers to prioritize safety, stay informed about water conditions, and heed local hazard warnings. As more families flock to the beaches, maintaining awareness and caution is essential for a safe holiday weekend.

Hilton Head Island, SC

Two residents from Georgia drowned at separate beaches in South Carolina this week, prompting local authorities to urge beachgoers to prioritize water safety as the Independence Day weekend approaches. The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office confirmed both incidents occurred within a day of each other, raising concerns about safety in the water.

The first incident took place on June 30 at Coligny Beach on Hilton Head Island, where a 69-year-old man named William King drowned. Deputies received a call regarding a medical emergency on N. Forest Beach Drive just before 6:30 p.m. A bystander played a crucial role, helping to bring King to shore. Lifeguards initiated lifesaving measures upon arrival, but unfortunately, King was pronounced dead shortly after 7:07 p.m.

The following day, July 1, another drowning was reported at Hunting Island State Park involving a 65-year-old man whose identity remains undisclosed pending notification of his next of kin. A bystander, who was fishing along the shoreline, spotted the victim floating in the water. After retrieving him, the bystander administered CPR, but the efforts could not revive the man.

The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating both incidents and has expressed concerns about water safety as call volumes increase during this busy holiday period. In light of these tragedies, officials are encouraging all beachgoers to be aware of current water conditions and to check local resources such as the National Weather Service and lifeguard services before entering the water.

As the July 4th weekend draws near, it is essential for families and friends visiting local beaches to exercise precaution. The Sheriff’s Office recommends that individuals remain vigilant and informed about potential hazards in the water. Local beach hazard flags are an important part of beach safety; yellow flags indicate moderate surf or currents, red flags signal high hazard conditions, and purple flags warn about dangerous marine life.

In addition to the drownings, local officials reported two non-life-threatening shark bites on Hilton Head beaches during June. These incidents, combined with the drownings, underline the importance of awareness and caution while enjoying beach activities.

Authorities are taking these safety concerns seriously and are emphasizing the need for water safety education. While no specific water safety tips were detailed in the reports, it is customary for officials to encourage swimmers to stay within designated swimming areas, avoid swimming alone, and watch for sudden changes in weather and surf conditions.

As the summer heats up and more families head to the beaches for relaxation and celebration, understanding and adopting safety measures could make the difference between a joyful holiday and a tragic incident. Both the Beaufort County community and visitors to the area are urged to prioritize safety as they enjoy the beautiful South Carolina coast.

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Additional Resources

• WJCL: Hilton Head & Hunting Island Drownings
• Wikipedia: Drowning
• Bluffton Today: Two Drown in Two Separate Days
• Google Search: Hilton Head Island water safety
• Post and Courier: Drowning at Hilton Head
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Safety
• WSAV: Two Drownings on Hilton Head
• Google News: Drowning Hilton Head

Author: STAFF HERE HILTON HEAD

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.