News Summary
During the Independence Day week, two men from Georgia tragically drowned in separate events at popular tourist locations in Beaufort County. The first incident occurred on June 30 at Coligny Beach, where a 69-year-old man was pronounced dead shortly after being rescued from the water. The following day, a 65-year-old man drowned at Hunting Island State Park after being spotted floating by a fisherman. Local authorities are advising beachgoers to prioritize water safety amidst the busy holiday period.
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina – Two men from Georgia tragically drowned in separate incidents while visiting Beaufort County during the Independence Day week, as confirmed by local authorities. The first incident occurred on June 30 at Coligny Beach, while the second incident took place the following day at Hunting Island State Park.
The initial drowning incident involved a 69-year-old man named William King. Around 6:30 p.m. on June 30, he was pulled from the surf near Coligny Beach Park by a bystander. Despite the immediate efforts of a lifeguard who arrived on the scene shortly afterward, King was pronounced dead at the beach. Deputies were dispatched shortly before 6:30 p.m. after a medical emergency report was made.
The second incident occurred on July 1, around 5:30 p.m., when a 65-year-old man drowned while floating off the shoreline at Hunting Island State Park. A fisherman noticed the man floating and swam out to provide assistance. He attempted CPR, but the second victim was also pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities have withheld the identity of this victim pending notification of his next of kin.
Both men were confirmed to be residents of Georgia, and the Beaufort County Coroner’s Office is expected to release further details regarding the second victim in due course. A total of seven officers from the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene of the second incident.
This series of drownings is noteworthy, particularly since there had been only three recorded drownings in the Beaufort County area since 2017 prior to these incidents. In August of the previous year, there was a rare occurrence of successive drownings when two residents from Ohio lost their lives in separate incidents on Hilton Head beaches on the same day.
With the Independence Day holiday leading to an influx of visitors to the region’s beaches, local authorities are stressing the importance of water safety. The Sheriff’s Office has issued advisories urging both residents and tourists to make water safety a priority during this busy time.
To assist in promoting safety, beachgoers are strongly encouraged to stay informed on local weather forecasts and to be aware of the current conditions of beaches and waters. The National Weather Service offers useful resources in this regard, providing real-time updates that can help beach visitors make informed decisions about their water activities.
Shore Beach Services employs a flag system to communicate various water conditions and hazards, serving as a crucial guide to beachgoers. The Sheriff’s Office has emphasized the need for everyone to remain vigilant due to the unpredictable nature of ocean conditions, especially the risk of rip currents which can pose serious dangers to swimmers.
As the summer season continues, tourists and locals alike are reminded to educate themselves about safe practices while enjoying the water, remembering the importance of looking out for one another to prevent further tragedies.
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Additional Resources
- Bluffton Today
- Wikipedia: Drowning
- WJCL
- Google Search: Drowning Incidents Beaufort County
- Live 5 News
- Google Scholar: Water Safety
- ABC News 4
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Beaufort County
- 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.
