Hilton Head, South Carolina, October 12, 2025
News Summary
Hilton Head, South Carolina, experiences a surge in shark populations this summer, leading to safety concerns after two shark bites at Coligny Beach Park. Local authorities emphasize the importance of swimmer safety during the busy beach season, urging precautions like avoiding swimming during dawn and dusk and remaining in groups. Various species such as blacktip and bonnethead sharks inhabit the area, but the incidence of shark bites remains rare. Experts stress awareness and preparedness to ensure safe ocean experiences for beachgoers.
Hilton Head, South Carolina – Shark populations have surged around Beaufort County this summer amid the busy beach season, raising safety concerns following two recent shark bite incidents at Coligny Beach Park. A teen girl sustained non-life-threatening leg lacerations from a shark on June 22, just days after a 12-year-old girl was airlifted to the hospital due to injuries consistent with a shark bite on June 17.
Several shark species inhabit the waters around Hilton Head, and their populations fluctuate throughout the year. Despite the increased activity this summer, the presence of sharks in the waters is not as alarming as it might seem; they are natural inhabitants of the ocean. Bryan Frazier, a principal investigator for the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR), explains that various shark species are more prevalent depending on the season and their proximity to shore. For instance, great white sharks tend to be more common in winter, while about 13 or 14 species can be found near the shoreline during the summer months.
Among the species that beachgoers might encounter in the surf are blacktip, finetooth, bonnethead, spinner, and lemon sharks, known to feed in shallow waters. The Atlantic sharpnose shark, a smaller species, is frequently caught by surf fishers in the region. Although larger sharks like great whites, bull sharks, hammerheads, and tiger sharks may venture close to the shore, they are typically not seen unless hooked. Commonly, blacktips and other species in Hilton Head’s surf prey on small bait fish, while bonnethead sharks primarily consume blue crabs.
In light of the reported increase in shark activity, local authorities are urging beachgoers to exercise caution. Lifeguards at Hilton Head are trained to monitor for sharks and ensure the safety of swimmers. Typically, South Carolina reports only four to five shark bites annually, making the recent incidents particularly rare.
To enhance swimmer safety, experts recommend several precautions. Swimmers should avoid going into the water during dawn and dusk, stay in groups, and refrain from wearing shiny jewelry. It is also advisable to avoid swimming near schools of fish, areas where birds are diving, or locations where fishing is occurring. Lifeguards may clear water zones if a shark is sighted and can provide emergency response in the event of a shark bite.
Understanding the types of sharks found in the area and following safety guidance can help swimmers stay informed and safe during their beach outings. With the warm summer months drawing beachgoers to Hilton Head, awareness and preparedness remain crucial to enjoying safe ocean experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Several shark species inhabit the waters around Beaufort County, South Carolina. The types of sharks encountered in the surf include blacktip, finetooth, bonnethead, spinner, and lemon sharks. The Atlantic sharpnose shark is one of the most frequently caught by surf fishers in the region.
There were two notable shark bites in the span of days at Coligny Beach Park. A teen girl suffered leg lacerations from a shark attack on June 22, and another incident involved a 12-year-old girl airlifted to the hospital on June 17 due to injuries consistent with a shark bite.
Recommended safety precautions for swimmers include avoiding dawn and dusk swimming, staying in groups, and not wearing shiny jewelry. Beachgoers should also avoid swimming near schools of fish, areas where birds are diving, or where fishing is occurring.
There are typically four to five shark bites annually in South Carolina, making such events very rare.
Shark Species Around Hilton Head
| Shark Species | Primary Diet | Common Locations |
|---|---|---|
| Blacktip Shark | Small bait fish like mullet and menhaden | Near shore and surf |
| Bonnethead Shark | Blue crabs | Often in the surf |
| Atlantic Sharpnose Shark | Small fish | Commonly caught by surf fishers |
| Great White Shark | Varied diet | Common in winter, less near shore in summer |
| Bull Shark | Varied diet | May venture near shore |
| Hammerhead Shark | Varied diet | Occasionally spotted near shore |
| Tiger Shark | Varied diet | Less commonly seen near shore |
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Author: STAFF HERE HILTON HEAD
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