News Summary
The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office reported two drownings of visitors from Georgia on Hilton Head Island and Hunting Island State Park, emphasizing the need for water safety. A 69-year-old man drowned at Coligny Beach, and another unidentified man drowned less than 24 hours later at Hunting Island State Park. Authorities remind beachgoers about the dangers of rip currents and the importance of heeding safety warnings as the holiday weekend approaches.
Hilton Head Island and Hunting Island State Park, South Carolina
The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office has reported two tragic drowning incidents involving visitors from Georgia, bringing attention to the importance of water safety as the Independence Day weekend approaches.
The first incident took place on June 30 at Coligny Beach on Hilton Head Island, where 69-year-old William King was pronounced dead after being pulled from the water shortly before 6:30 p.m. A bystander aided in retrieving King from the surf, and a lifeguard promptly attempted lifesaving measures. However, King was declared deceased at the scene around 7:07 p.m., according to the Beaufort County Chief Deputy Coroner.
Less than 24 hours later, on July 1, another drowning occurred at Hunting Island State Park. A 65-year-old man, whose identity has not yet been disclosed pending notification of next of kin, was discovered floating in the water by a fisherman around 5:30 p.m. The fisherman swam out to assist, managed to bring the man ashore, and began CPR efforts, but unfortunately, those attempts were unsuccessful, and the victim was pronounced dead shortly after.
The coroner’s office confirmed that despite the prompt actions of bystanders and first responders, both men succumbed to their drowning incidents. In light of these events, the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office has extended condolences to the families and friends of the victims.
Importance of Water Safety Awareness
The Sheriff’s Office is urging beachgoers to exercise heightened caution as they prepare for the upcoming holiday weekend. Water safety awareness is essential, especially as dangerous conditions like rip currents can arise unexpectedly.
As part of a proactive safety initiative, visitors to the area are encouraged to remain vigilant and aware of the conditions while enjoying the water. Local weather services, such as the National Weather Service office in Charleston, provide updates regarding forecasts and potential rip current warnings. Beach visitors can also consult real-time conditions through Shore Beach Service.
Beach safety flags and signs, prominently displayed at lifeguard stations, are vital tools for ensuring public safety. Yellow flags indicate moderate surf conditions, red flags signal high hazards, and purple flags alert of dangerous marine life. It is highly recommended that beach visitors adhere to these warnings to prevent accidents.
Water Safety Tips
The Sheriff’s Office shared essential water safety tips to help ensure the safety of all beach visitors:
- Always be aware of your swimming capabilities and stay within designated swimming areas.
- Look for and respect the flag conditions displayed at the beach.
- Never swim alone; always have a companion.
- Stay alert for changes in weather and surf conditions.
- Educate yourself about rip currents and how to escape them if caught.
Preparing for a safe and enjoyable beach experience is essential, particularly with the holiday approaching. The recent incidents serve as a poignant reminder for all beachgoers to prioritize safety and remain cautious while enjoying the water activities available in the scenic coastal regions.
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Additional Resources
- WJCL: Hilton Head and Hunting Island Drownings
- Wikipedia: Drowning
- WTOC: Drowning Deaths Ahead of Holiday Weekend
- Google Search: Drowning Hilton Head
- Post and Courier: Drowning on Hilton Head and Hunting Island
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Water Safety
- Bluffton Today: Two Drown in Beaufort County
- 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.
