News Summary
A heartbreaking incident occurred on July 4 when Paul Peters, a 38-year-old father, drowned while trying to save his 4-year-old son from a rip current at Hunting Island State Park. The family had only just entered the water when the tragedy unfolded. Despite attempts from bystanders to rescue both father and son, Peters was pronounced dead at the scene. This incident is a tragic reminder of the dangers of rip currents, which were notably prevalent due to Tropical Storm Chantal.
Beaufort County, South Carolina – Tragic Drowning Incident on July 4
A North Carolina father, Paul Peters, aged 38, tragically drowned while attempting to save his 4-year-old son from a rip current at Hunting Island State Park on July 4, 2025. The incident occurred around noon, just half an hour after the family, which included Peters’ wife Emily and their two children aged 4 and 7, entered the water.
Witnesses reported that Peters struggled to keep his youngest son above water while visibly gasping for air in dangerous conditions. A passerby identified as Jamie Ray Johnson intervened, swimming to assist and successfully keeping the boy afloat amidst the challenging currents. Additional beachgoers aided in the rescue, utilizing a line to pull Johnson and the child back to shore. Upon reaching safety, the 4-year-old coughed out excess water and immediately inquired about his father’s whereabouts. The older sibling, aged 7, was retrieved without the need for medical assistance.
Conditions of the Beach and Safety Precautions
At the time of the incident, red flags indicating hazardous water conditions were posted along the beach. Lifeguards were not stationed at Hunting Island’s public beaches, which annually attract around 1 million visitors. According to reports, the rip currents were further intensified by weather conditions associated with Tropical Storm Chantal, which affected the Beaufort County area.
Peters was pronounced dead at the scene at 12:10 p.m. despite immediate CPR efforts from both bystanders and emergency responders. This incident marks the third drowning in Beaufort County waters within just one week, following the deaths of a 69-year-old man and a 65-year-old photographer in separate incidents.
Public Safety Advice and Community Response
The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office has reiterated the dangers posed by rip currents and stresses the importance of adhering to swimming guidelines. Local officials are encouraging visitors to closely observe and respect swimming advisories, especially during instances when red flags are present.
In the wake of this heartbreaking tragedy, friends of the Peters family have set up a GoFundMe campaign to aid with funeral expenses and address the family’s immediate needs. This initiative reflects the community’s response to the devastating loss and aims to provide support during this challenging time.
Background on Hunting Island State Park
Hunting Island State Park is a popular destination located near Beaufort County, known for its picturesque beaches and natural beauty. However, the park also poses risks during certain weather conditions, particularly related to rip currents, which can unexpectedly sweep even strong swimmers away. Beach safety advisories are crucial, and visitors are urged to familiarize themselves with local conditions before entering the water.
As the Peters family mourns their tragic loss, their story serves as a solemn reminder of the perils associated with coastal waters and the necessity for constant vigilance, especially in hazardous conditions. The community’s thoughts are with the family during this difficult time as they seek to navigate the aftermath of this devastating event.
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Additional Resources
- Your Island News
- Bluffton Today
- WJCL
- ABC News 4
- WSAV
- Wikipedia: Hunting Island State Park
- Google Search: Hunting Island State Park drownings
- Google Scholar: Hunting Island State Park
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hunting Island State Park
- Google News: Hunting Island State Park drowning
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