News Summary
A 12-year-old girl was airlifted to a hospital after suffering a suspected shark bite while swimming off Hilton Head Island, S.C. The incident occurred near Sea Pines, where she sustained a leg injury. First responders provided initial treatment, and although she lost a significant amount of blood, her injuries are not life-threatening. This alarming event raises concerns about swimmer safety as beach season begins and highlights the need for awareness regarding shark activity in coastal waters.
Hilton Head Island, S.C. – A 12-year-old girl was airlifted to a hospital after sustaining injuries from a suspected shark bite while swimming off the coast of Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. The incident occurred on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, around noon near Sea Pines, particularly at mile marker 24. Reports indicate that the girl suffered a leg injury consistent with lacerations typically associated with a shark bite.
First responders dispatched to the scene noted that the girl lost a significant amount of blood. Initial treatment was provided by Shore Beach Services and personnel from Hilton Head Fire and Rescue before she was airlifted to a hospital in Savannah, Georgia, for further medical attention. Authorities have reported that her injuries are not life-threatening.
This event marks a concerning development, as it may be the first documented shark bite of the summer season on Hilton Head Island. Beachgoers have expressed shock and worry over the attack, particularly as the beach season begins to draw in more tourists. This situation has raised awareness about the safety of swimmers in the area.
Shark Bite Statistics and Safety Measures
Shark bites are relatively rare in South Carolina, with an average of approximately four incidents occurring each year, according to data from the Department of Natural Resources. Historically, Hilton Head Island experiences two to three shark bites annually, though this figure can spike to six during particularly active years.
Experts note that species such as blacktip sharks are commonly found near shorelines and could be responsible for recent incidents. These sharks are known to inhabit the coastal waters, which increases the potential for encounters between humans and marine life.
Officials have highlighted that Hilton Head lifeguards regularly monitor the waters for indications of shark activity. Enhanced vigilance during the busy summer months is integral to ensuring the safety of beach visitors. As the beach season amps up, authorities advise swimmers and beachgoers to remain aware of their surroundings and stay updated on the conditions of the water.
Recent Shark Attack Incidents
This incident follows a similar recent attack involving a 9-year-old girl in Florida, who suffered severe injuries and nearly lost her hand as a result of the bite. Both cases have contributed to heightened awareness regarding the potential risks associated with swimming in coastal areas, especially as families frequent beaches during the summer months.
In light of these incidents, beach officials continue to emphasize the importance of safety and staying informed. They recommend that visitors to Hilton Head Island practice caution while enjoying the water, including avoiding swimming during dawn or dusk when shark activity may be higher, and steering clear of areas with schools of fish or murky waters.
As the summer progresses, the local authorities remain committed to monitoring and ensuring the safety of beachgoers while providing the necessary support and information to help prevent such occurrences in the future.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
12-Year-Old Girl Airlifted After Suspected Shark Bite in Hilton Head
Beachgoer Hospitalized After Shark Attack in Hilton Head
Shark Bite Incident Injures Girl Off Hilton Head Island
Swimmer Airlifted After Shark Bite Incident on Hilton Head
Shark Bite Reported on Hilton Head Island, Victim Airlifted
Beachgoer Airlifted After Suspected Shark Bite on Hilton Head Island
Shark Bite Reported on Hilton Head Island
Shark Bite Incident Reported on Hilton Head Island
Swimmer Airlifted After Shark Bite on Hilton Head Island
Exploring the Shark Species of Beaufort County
Additional Resources
- CBS News
- Wikipedia: Shark Attack
- Island Packet
- Google Search: Shark Attack
- WBTV
- Google Scholar: Shark Attack Data
- WSOC TV
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Shark Attack
- USA Today
- Google News: Shark Attack HHI
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...
