News Summary
Hilton Head Island has experienced two shark bites within a week, prompting concerns about marine safety among locals and beachgoers. The latest incident occurred at Coligny Beach Park, leading to medical attention for the victim. Officials emphasize the need for public awareness regarding ocean safety as they monitor wildlife activity at local beaches. Traditionally, increases in beach attendance correlate with shark bite incidents, although educational efforts have demonstrated effectiveness in reducing occurrences. A flag system is in place to ensure beachgoers are informed about marine hazards.
Hilton Head Island, SC – Two shark bites have been reported on Hilton Head Island within a week, raising concerns among local officials and beachgoers about marine safety. The latest incident occurred on Sunday, June 24, around 12:10 p.m. at Coligny Beach Park, where a patient sustained leg lacerations believed to be from a shark bite.
Shore Beach Services and Hilton Head Island Fire Rescue responded promptly to the incident, providing immediate first aid on-site. The patient was subsequently transported by ambulance to a local hospital for further treatment. However, no additional information about the patient’s condition has been released to the public.
This incident marks the second reported shark bite on the island within a week; the first occurred on Wednesday, June 17. These occurrences coincide with increased attention to the presence of sharks in the waters surrounding Hilton Head. Officials highlight these incidents as a reminder for public awareness regarding ocean safety.
According to data from the International Shark Attack File (ISAF), the two recent bites on Hilton Head Island are significant as they match the total number of unprovoked shark bites reported in South Carolina for 2024. Notably, there have been a total of 28 shark bites reported across the United States this year, with 14 of those occurring in Florida alone.
Since 1837, Hilton Head Island has recorded a total of 30 unprovoked shark attacks, underscoring the importance of monitoring and educating the public about marine life in the area. Local officials, including HHI communications director Heather Woolwine, have emphasized that beach conditions can change rapidly, which may influence wildlife activity. Therefore, they encourage beachgoers to remain vigilant while swimming or enjoying the ocean.
To aid in safety, lifeguards actively monitor the surf and raise flags to indicate water conditions. Purple flags signify the presence of dangerous marine life, while red flags indicate rough water conditions, and yellow flags suggest moderate or light surf. This flag system is designed to keep beachgoers informed and safe while they enjoy their time at the beach.
Interestingly, while the number of shark bites tends to increase with higher beach attendance, education efforts have proven effective in reducing some incidents. As the human population along coastal regions rises, ensuring safety and awareness about marine wildlife becomes even more critical. ISAF statistics indicate that the overall likelihood of drowning remains significantly greater than that of dying from a shark attack, further highlighting the need for balanced perspectives on water safety.
The second shark bite incident on June 24 has drawn attention to existing safety measures and the need for continuous monitoring of wildlife activity at local beaches. In light of these recent events, local officials continue to encourage all beachgoers to stay informed about water conditions and to exercise caution while participating in recreational activities in the ocean.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Hilton Head Island Reports Two Shark Attacks in Under a Week
Hilton Head Island Faces Increased Shark Attack Concerns
Shark Bite Incident at Coligny Beach Park on Hilton Head Island
Shark Bites Reported at Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Shark Attacks Raise Alarm on Hilton Head Island
Two Shark Bite Incidents Reported on Hilton Head Island
Rising Shark Bite Concerns on Hilton Head Island
Increase in Shark Sightings and Bites at Hilton Head Island
Second Shark Bite Reported on Hilton Head Island
Hilton Head Island Experiences Two Shark Bite Incidents
Additional Resources
- WTOC: Teen Girl Injured After Second Reported Shark Bite Incident of the Week
- Wikipedia: Shark Attacks
- Fox News: Second Shark Attack Reported in Southern Vacation Town
- Google Search: Shark Attacks 2024
- ABC News: Two Shark Attacks Reported on Hilton Head Island
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Shark
- Island Packet: Multiple HHI Shark Bites Lead to Safety Questions
- Google News: Hilton Head Island Shark Bite
- People: Girl, 12, Attacked by Shark in South Carolina
- Google Scholar: Shark Attack Statistics
Author: STAFF HERE HILTON HEAD
The HERE Hilton Head Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Hilton Head community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Hilton Head Our team includes lifelong Hilton Head residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent listings of historic homes 0 , Hilton Head’s Gullah heritage and coastal culture 6 , and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Technical College of the Lowcountry programs) 10 . Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Hilton Head Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and...
