News Summary
A 12-year-old girl was airlifted to a hospital after suffering a leg injury from a shark bite while swimming off the shores of Hilton Head Island. First responders treated her injuries, described as consistent with a shark’s bite, before she was taken to Savannah for further care. The incident marks the second shark bite involving children in recent days, raising safety concerns among beachgoers. Experts remind the public that while shark attacks can be severe, they are notably rare.
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina – A 12-year-old girl was airlifted to a medical facility after sustaining a leg injury caused by a shark bite while swimming off the shores of Hilton Head’s Sea Pines area on Tuesday, June 17. Medical reports indicate that the girl experienced lacerations consistent with a shark’s bite and had lost a significant amount of blood before receiving treatment.
First responders from Shore Beach Services and Fire Rescue tended to the girl at the scene. Following initial treatment, she was airlifted to a hospital in Savannah, Georgia. According to authorities, her injuries are non-life-threatening, though details about her current condition have not been disclosed.
This incident marks the second shark bite involving a child in less than a week, raising concerns among beachgoers about safety in local waters. The first attack was reported on June 11, when 9-year-old Leah Lendel suffered severe injuries, including the near loss of her hand due to a shark bite while snorkeling near Boca Grande, Florida. Leah underwent multiple surgeries following her attack, drawing attention to the rising incidents of shark attacks in recreational waters.
In light of these recent events, many beach visitors have expressed heightened anxiety regarding their safety while swimming, as both incidents have sparked a discussion on the rarity and unpredictability of shark attacks. Although alarming, researchers note that unprovoked shark attacks are extremely rare.
Statistics from the International Shark Attack File show that in 2024, there were 71 recorded shark bite incidents, of which 47 were classified as unprovoked. In South Carolina, the average is around four to five shark bites annually, with the last fatal shark attack reported in the state dating back to the 1840s. This historical context emphasizes that while shark bites can be severe, fatalities are exceedingly uncommon.
Experts suggest that many shark bites occur due to mistaken identity, as sharks may mistake the movements of people swimming for that of prey. This tendency has led to warnings aimed at swimmers to avoid schools of bait fish and to heed lifeguard advisories, which are in place to help minimize risks when in the water.
Traditionally, the majority of victims involved in shark attacks are identified as “surface recreationists,” which includes individuals using flotation devices or surfing. Florida holds the highest record of shark attacks in the United States, followed closely by California, Hawaii, and then South Carolina.
As the conversation regarding public safety in coastal areas continues, local authorities urge beachgoers to stay informed about conditions and adhere to safety recommendations provided by lifeguards and local officials. With the summer season in full swing, it is essential for both locals and visitors to remain vigilant about their safety while enjoying the beaches.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Tragic Drownings Prompt Water Safety Urgency in SC
Concern Rises Over Shark Bites in South Carolina
Hilton Head Island Faces Safety Concerns Following Shark Attacks
Shark Bites Raise Safety Concerns on Hilton Head Island
Recent Shark Attacks on Hilton Head Island Raise Alarms
Shark Activity Prompts Beach Closures on Hilton Head Island
Hilton Head Island Reports Pair of Shark Attacks
Additional Resources
- Post and Courier
- Wikipedia: Shark Attack
- CBS News
- Google Search: shark attack Hilton Head
- USA Today
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Shark
- Fox News
- Google News: shark attacks South Carolina
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.
