News Summary

Hilton Head Island faced two shark attacks within a week, heightening concerns among locals and beachgoers. The latest incident involved a teenage girl at Coligny Beach, who suffered non-life-threatening injuries. Earlier, a 12-year-old girl was reported to have similar injuries near Sea Pines Resort. Shark attacks, while alarming, remain statistically rare, with experts advising beachgoers to follow safety precautions to minimize risks. Local authorities are monitoring shark activity and emphasizing the importance of maintaining safety while enjoying the island’s beaches.

Hilton Head Island

Two shark attacks occurred within a week on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, raising concerns among locals and beachgoers. The most recent incident happened on Sunday, June 22, at Coligny Beach Park, where a teenage girl suffered leg lacerations from a shark bite. Fortunately, her injuries are non-life-threatening, and she received treatment at a local hospital.

The June 22 attack occurred around noon and took place near a lifeguard, prompting local authorities to clear the water for half a mile in every direction immediately after the attack. Just five days earlier, on June 17, another shark attack was reported when a 12-year-old girl swimming near Sea Pines Resort experienced similar leg injuries consistent with a shark bite. Following her attack, she was airlifted to a hospital in Savannah, Georgia, where her injuries were also deemed non-life-threatening. Reports indicated she was conscious and breathing when first responders arrived, but she had lost a significant amount of blood.

These incidents come in the wake of a severe shark attack on June 11 involving a 9-year-old girl, Leah Lendel, in Boca Grande, Florida. In that case, Leah sustained critical injuries to her hand, which was nearly severed during the encounter. She was airlifted to Tampa General Hospital and underwent complex surgeries to repair the damage.

While such shark attacks are alarming, experts emphasize that they are still quite rare. Statistically, the chances of being killed by a shark are extremely low. According to data from 2024, there were a total of 28 unprovoked shark bites reported in the United States, the highest number recorded for any country globally, with Florida accounting for 14 of these cases. For context, the International Shark Attack File recorded only 76 shark bites worldwide in the previous year, of which 47 were unprovoked.

It is essential to note that most shark species do not pose a threat to humans, as they primarily prey on marine animals. However, when swimming in open waters, it remains vital for beachgoers to adhere to safety measures to minimize risks. Recommendations include swimming in groups, avoiding water during dawn and dusk, not wearing shiny jewelry that may attract sharks, and remaining in lifeguard-monitored areas.

In light of the recent attacks, authorities on Hilton Head Island are actively monitoring wildlife activity to ensure the safety of beachgoers. Local officials are working diligently to assess the situation and provide timely updates on shark activity along the coast. Awareness and adherence to safety recommendations can help further ensure the well-being of those enjoying the summer season on the island’s popular beaches.

These recent shark incidents serve as a reminder of the unpredictability of nature and the importance of remaining vigilant while engaging in recreational water activities. As the summer progresses, both residents and tourists are encouraged to stay informed about beach conditions, follow safety guidelines, and prioritize their safety when enjoying the ocean.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Shark Activity Prompts Beach Closures on Hilton Head Island
Hilton Head Island Reports Pair of Shark Attacks
Shark Attacks Raise Concerns on Hilton Head Island
Shark Bites Raise Concerns on Hilton Head Island
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

Additional Resources

• WBTV
• Wikipedia: Shark Attack
• Fox Weather
• Google Search: shark attack statistics
• People
• Google Scholar: shark attacks in South Carolina
• CBS News
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Shark
• Fox News
• Google News: Hilton Head Island shark attacks

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...