News Summary
The recent drownings of two visitors from Georgia at Hilton Head beaches have led authorities to stress the importance of water safety. With Independence Day approaching, officials are urging beachgoers to observe crucial safety measures. The incidents, occurring just a day apart at Coligny Beach and Hunting Island State Park, resulted in tragic outcomes despite attempts at lifesaving. The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office encourages families to stay informed and heed local warnings as they enjoy coastal waters during the busy holiday weekend.
Hilton Head Island, SC – In a tragic series of events, two separate drownings involving visitors from Georgia have prompted authorities to issue reminders about water safety as the Independence Day weekend approaches. The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed both incidents, highlighting the risks associated with water activities, particularly during busy holiday weekends.
The first drowning occurred on June 30 at approximately 7:07 p.m. at Coligny Beach, where 69-year-old William King from Georgia was involved. Emergency services were dispatched shortly before 6:30 p.m. to N. Forest Beach Drive following a report of a medical emergency. A bystander helped to bring King ashore, and a lifeguard on duty initiated lifesaving measures; however, these efforts were ultimately unsuccessful, and King was pronounced dead at the scene.
Just one day later, on July 1, another drowning occurred at Hunting Island State Park, involving a 65-year-old man from Georgia whose name has not yet been released pending notification of next of kin. Authorities responded to calls made shortly before 5:30 p.m. after a bystander fishing in the area spotted the man floating in the water. The fisherman swam out, successfully retrieved the man, and began CPR. Unfortunately, the attempts to revive him were also ineffective, and he was pronounced dead shortly after.
Both incidents are currently under investigation by the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office. The sheriff’s office has extended its condolences to the families affected by these tragedies and underscored the importance of practicing caution and safety when enjoying coastal waters.
As the Independence Day weekend approaches, officials are urging beachgoers to prioritize water safety. Many individuals visit coastal areas during holidays, often leading to increased risks in the water. Beach visitors are encouraged to stay informed about local conditions through the National Weather Service and local beach services. This information is crucial for ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience.
Beach flags and signs located at lifeguard stands provide essential information regarding current hazards. Flags indicate the status of water conditions: a yellow flag signifies moderate surf, a red flag indicates a high hazard, and a purple flag warns of dangerous marine life. Paying attention to these warnings can help prevent accidents and fatalities, particularly for those who may not be familiar with the area.
With many plans being made for celebrations over the holiday, authorities hope that reminders about water safety will resonate with visitors. Engaging in responsible behavior while swimming, such as not going out too far, being aware of your surroundings, and ensuring that children are supervised and wearing life jackets, can significantly reduce the chances of accidents.
Tragedies like the drownings of William King and the unnamed 65-year-old man serve as stark reminders of the need for awareness and precaution when partaking in water activities. As families gather to celebrate the Fourth of July, enjoying the beach should be balanced with a comprehensive understanding of personal safety and the dynamics of ocean conditions.
The sheriff’s office continues to emphasize a strong focus on water safety and reminds everyone to respect the ocean’s powerful nature, especially during peak tourist seasons.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Tragic Boat Crash Claims Lives of North Carolina Couple
Bottlenose Dolphin Rescued in Bluffton, South Carolina
Severe Thunderstorm Warnings Issued for South Carolina
Severe Thunderstorm Warning Issued for Aiken and Surrounding Areas
Severe Thunderstorm Warning in Barnwell County
Severe Thunderstorm Warning Hits South Carolina and Georgia
Rescue Operation Successfully Saves Dolphin Named ‘Lucky’
Tragic Incident at Lake Moultrie Claims Life
Hilton Head Island Reports Two Fatal Accidents
Severe Thunderstorm Alerts Issued for Edgefield and Aiken Counties
Additional Resources
- WSAV: Drowning Confirmed on Hilton Head Island
- Wikipedia: Hilton Head Island
- WJCL: Hilton Head & Hunting Island Drownings
- Google Search: Hilton Head Island Drowning
- Post and Courier: Drowning on Hilton Head & Hunting Island
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hilton Head Island
- Bluffton Today: Two Drown in Two Separate Days in Beaufort County
- Google News: Hilton Head Drowning Incidents
- Island Packet: Hilton Head Water Safety
- WTOC: Drowning Deaths Ahead of Holiday Weekend 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.
