News Summary
Two unfortunate drownings occurred at local beaches in Beaufort County just prior to the Independence Day weekend. A 69-year-old man drowned at Coligny Beach, followed by a 65-year-old man at Hunting Island State Park. In light of these incidents, authorities urge beachgoers to prioritize water safety, particularly as hazardous conditions can emerge unexpectedly. The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office emphasizes the importance of adhering to safety guidelines and staying informed about current beach conditions to prevent further tragedies during the busy holiday period.
Beaufort County, SC – Two Georgia residents tragically drowned at local beaches just ahead of the busy Independence Day weekend, prompting increased concerns regarding water safety in the area.
The Beaufort County Coroner’s Office has confirmed that the first victim was identified as William King, a 69-year-old man from Georgia. King drowned on Monday, June 30, around 7 p.m. at Coligny Beach on Hilton Head Island. Deputies from the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office received an emergency call shortly before 6:30 p.m. regarding the situation at the beach. A bystander assisted in bringing King to shore, where a lifeguard immediately began lifesaving measures. Despite the rapid response from the lifeguard and additional emergency responders, King was pronounced dead at the scene.
The second drowning incident occurred just one day later, on Tuesday, July 1. This victim was a 65-year-old man, also from Georgia, whose name has not been released pending notification of his next of kin. The man drowned at Hunting Island State Park, with deputies responding shortly before 5:30 p.m.. A fisherman, who noticed the man floating in the water, swam out to reach him and successfully brought him ashore. However, despite attempts at CPR, he could not be revived.
Both incidents occurred during a period when the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office is actively urging beachgoers to prioritize water safety, especially with the Independence Day holiday approaching. This guidance is particularly pertinent given the presence of dangerous water conditions, including unexpected rip currents that can arise at any time.
Authorities are reminding beach visitors to stay informed about real-time water conditions by utilizing resources such as the National Weather Service and local beach service updates. Lifeguard stands along the beaches display color-coded hazard flags to alert beachgoers of current surf conditions: yellow indicates moderate surf, red signifies a high hazard, and purple warns of potentially dangerous marine life.
In light of these recent drownings, local officials and the broader community are extending their condolences to the families of the victims. The incidents underscore the critical importance of adhering to water safety guidelines and being mindful of changing beach conditions.
Water safety organizations encourage swimmers to be aware of their surroundings, stay within designated swimming areas, and pay close attention to lifeguard warnings. The upcoming holiday period is expected to see an increase in beachgoers, making it essential for everyone to remain vigilant and take the necessary precautions to prevent further tragedies.
The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office continues to monitor beach conditions and advocate for safety measures to enhance the well-being of all who visit the area’s popular seaside locations.
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Additional Resources
- Bluffton Today
- Wikipedia: Water Safety
- WJCL
- Google Search: Water Safety Guidelines
- Live 5 News
- Google Scholar: Swimming Safety
- ABC News 4
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Rip Currents
- WTOC
- Google News: Beaufort County Drownings
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.
