Hilton Head Island, SC, September 9, 2025
News Summary
Two shark bites have alarmed Hilton Head Island beachgoers within a week, prompting lifeguards and authorities to enhance safety measures. The incidents, one at Sea Pines Resort and another at Coligny Beach, raised concerns about wildlife behavior. Beach safety flags will indicate marine life presence and water conditions. Additionally, parking expansion efforts are underway to facilitate access to the popular beach areas, with plans for the new facility ready by Memorial Day. Residents and visitors are urged to stay informed and cautious when enjoying beach activities.
Hilton Head Island Reports Two Shark Bites in a Week Amid Parking Expansion Work
Hilton Head Island, SC – Two shark bites were reported within a week on Hilton Head Island, raising concerns for beachgoers and prompting officials to take action. One incident occurred at Sea Pines Resort, while the other was reported at Coligny Beach, a popular tourist destination known for its family-friendly atmosphere. The most recent shark sighting took place on Wednesday, with a video captured by a local resident showing a shark swimming close to the shore.
The shark was seen approximately 25 to 30 yards from the beach in knee-deep water, leading to a swift response from lifeguards and locals who promptly cleared the water. Witnesses reported that a man in the water jumped out when he spotted the shark swimming near him. Although no additional injuries were reported from this sighting, safety measures were quickly put into place. Lifeguards have been diligently monitoring the beach conditions and marine life to ensure the safety of swimmers.
Authorities were previously alerted to a medical emergency at Coligny Beach Park, where a victim received treatment for lacerations consistent with a shark bite. The individual was treated at the scene before being transported to a local hospital for further care. Officials have highlighted that changing environmental conditions can impact wildlife behavior in the area, urging swimmers to remain vigilant while enjoying the water.
Beach Safety Measures
Lifeguards at local beaches have implemented a color-coded flag system to keep beachgoers informed about safety. A purple flag indicates the presence of dangerous marine life, while a red flag warns of rough conditions, and a yellow flag signals moderate conditions. It is vital for residents and visitors to heed these warnings when enjoying the ocean.
Upcoming Parking Expansion Initiatives
In addition to the recent beach incidents, the town of Hilton Head is currently undertaking a parking expansion project at the site of the former Aunt Chiladas Easy Street Cafe to improve access to Coligny Beach. The town purchased the property for $2.9 million in October, with plans to convert it into public parking. This site aims to accommodate beachgoers and visitors to the nearby Lowcountry Celebration Park.
Aunt Chiladas Easy Street Cafe was a long-standing establishment that closed its doors in September after 36 years. The parking lot is expected to be available for use by Memorial Day weekend. For the ongoing year, the project will involve sealing and restriping existing parking spaces rather than adding new ones. Additionally, parking has become a point of focus for the town, as an ad-hoc working group is set to present a report due by September 30, assessing the overall parking situation in the area.
The former Wild Wing Cafe property across the street is also being designated for additional parking to serve the increasing number of beachgoers. Currently, visitors can park for free at the site of Aunt Chiladas, while paid parking on public beaches began on March 1, specifically designating Coligny Beach Park as a paid area.
Conclusion
With the combination of recent shark sightings and ongoing changes to the area’s parking facilities, residents and visitors of Hilton Head Island are advised to remain informed and cautious while enjoying their beach activities. As local officials work to ensure safety at Coligny Beach, beachgoers are encouraged to follow all posted safety guidelines and pay attention to flag warnings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What should I do if I see a shark while swimming?
If you spot a shark while swimming, calmly and quickly leave the water without splashing or panicking. Inform the lifeguards or beach authorities immediately.
How can I tell if it’s safe to swim at the beach?
Always look for the color-coded flags displayed by lifeguards: purple for dangerous marine life, red for rough conditions, and yellow for moderate conditions before entering the water.
When will the new parking facility near Coligny Beach be available?
The parking facility at the site of the former Aunt Chiladas Easy Street Cafe is expected to be ready for use by Memorial Day weekend.
Key Features Chart
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Shark Sightings | Two reported shark bites within a week at Hilton Head |
| Emergency Response | Medical treatment provided for shark bite lacerations |
| Beach Safety Flags | Purple for dangerous marine life, Red for rough conditions, Yellow for moderate conditions |
| Parking Expansion | Conversion of former Aunt Chiladas site into public parking available by Memorial Day |
| Parking Initiatives | Free parking at Aunt Chiladas site, paid parking instituted on public beaches |
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Hilton Head Island’s Role in Shark Conservation
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Additional Resources
- WJCL: Shark Bites Hilton Head Island
- Wikipedia: Shark Attacks in the United States
- WTOC: July 4th Celebration at Coligny Beach
- Google Search: Shark Sightings Hilton Head
- Island Packet: Real Estate News Hilton Head
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Shark
- WRDW: Beachgoer Bitten by Shark Hilton Head
- Google News: Shark Attack Hilton Head
- Fox News: Second Shark Attack in 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.
