News Summary
Hilton Head Island has seen two shark bite incidents in less than a week, causing concern among beachgoers. The latest bite, occurring at Coligny Beach Park, resulted in a non-life-threatening leg injury for the victim. Lifeguards quickly assisted, and the individual was taken to a medical center for further evaluation. Just days prior, a 12-year-old girl sustained injuries that were consistent with a shark bite while swimming at Sea Pines Resort. Increased vigilance is being urged among beachgoers due to heightened shark activity in the surrounding waters.
Hilton Head Island – Two shark bite incidents have been reported on Hilton Head Island within less than a week, raising concerns among beachgoers. The latest incident occurred on Sunday at approximately 12:10 p.m. at Coligny Beach Park, where a victim sustained a non-life-threatening laceration to their leg.
Shore Beach Service Lifeguards and Hilton Head Island Fire Rescue promptly treated the victim on-site. Following initial treatment, the individual was transported to Hilton Head Medical Center for further evaluation. The circumstances of this incident highlight the potential dangers present in the waters surrounding the island, echoing another bite reported just days prior.
On Wednesday, a 12-year-old girl was bitten on her leg while swimming at a beach in Sea Pines Resort. Her injuries were described as consistent with a shark bite, leading to her being airlifted to a local hospital for treatment. In response to that incident, lifeguards cleared the waters, establishing a half-mile exclusion zone in each direction for about two hours to ensure the safety of beachgoers.
Interestingly, less than 24 hours after the second bite, lifeguards had to evacuate the water once again due to a potential shark sighting. It was later confirmed that the sighting involved dolphins instead of sharks. This sequence of events has sparked increased caution among residents and visitors alike, especially considering the uptick in shark sightings reported in recent days.
Both individuals affected by the shark bites are expected to recover, with the injury from the second incident classified as non-life-threatening. However, the frequency of such occurrences has turned the spotlight on the island’s marine wildlife. Historically, Hilton Head Island averages two to three shark bites each year, with some years experiencing spikes in incidents.
Shark experts indicate that blacktip sharks are typically the species involved in these incidents, as they often feed on schools of fish near the shoreline, which increases the likelihood of human interactions. Lifeguards on Hilton Head Island are trained to look for signs of shark activity in the water, such as fish behaving erratically or birds diving, which may indicate the presence of larger predators.
As a precaution, increased vigilance is being encouraged among swimmers and beachgoers during this heightened period of marine activity. The recent incidents serve as a reminder of the natural dynamics at play in coastal environments, where humans and marine life intersect. Awareness and preparedness can enhance safety for individuals enjoying the island’s beautiful beaches this summer.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Rising Shark Bite Concerns on Hilton Head Island
Increase in Shark Sightings and Bites at Hilton Head Island
Second Shark Bite Reported on Hilton Head Island
Hilton Head Island Experiences Two Shark Bite Incidents
Swimmer Hospitalized After Shark Bite on Hilton Head Island
12-Year-Old Girl Survives Shark Bite on Hilton Head Island
12-Year-Old Girl Airlifted After Shark Attack in Hilton Head
12-Year-Old Girl Airlifted After Shark Bite in South Carolina
12-Year-Old Girl Airlifted After Suspected Shark Bite in Hilton Head
Shark Attack Injures Beachgoer at Hilton Head Island
Additional Resources
- WJCL: Coligny Beach Hilton Head Island Shark Bite
- Wikipedia: Shark Bite
- Fox News: 2nd Shark Attack Reported
- Google Search: Shark Attacks Hilton Head
- ABC News: 2 Shark Attacks Reported
- Google Scholar: Shark Attacks Hilton Head
- Island Packet: Shark Bite Incident
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Shark
- Post and Courier: Shark Bite on Hilton Head
- Google News: Shark Bite Coligny Beach
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...
