News Summary
Two shark bite incidents have occurred in a single week on Hilton Head Island, leading to increased safety concerns among beachgoers as summer begins. The latest incident involved a swimmer with a non-life-threatening leg injury at Coligny Beach, treated on-site before transport to a medical facility. This follows a significant bite to a 12-year-old girl just days earlier. Local officials are taking measures to ensure safety and encouraging awareness among beachgoers as tourist numbers rise.
Hilton Head Island – Two shark bite incidents have been reported on Hilton Head Island within the same week, raising concerns among beachgoers as the summer season begins. The latest incident occurred on Sunday afternoon at Coligny Beach Park, where a swimmer sustained a leg injury consistent with a likely shark bite around 12:10 p.m. The individual was treated on-site by Shore Beach Service Lifeguards and subsequently transported to Hilton Head Medical Center. Fortunately, authorities have confirmed that the injury is non-life-threatening.
This incident comes just five days after a 12-year-old girl was also bitten by a shark while swimming at a beach in Sea Pines on Tuesday afternoon. In her case, she suffered a significant wound to her lower right leg and was flown by helicopter to Savannah for advanced medical treatment after initial care from lifeguards.
In the wake of the Sunday incident, beach safety officials took precautionary measures by clearing the water for about half a mile in either direction for approximately two hours to ensure swimmers’ safety. These recent occurrences highlight a concerning trend as tourists flock to the island for summer vacations.
Statistical Context and Lifeguard Monitoring
Hilton Head Island has a history of shark encounters, with local lifeguards reporting an average of two to three shark bites annually. Last July alone, three likely shark encounters were documented. While instances of shark bites occur, most are deemed non-fatal both in South Carolina and across the United States.
Experts suggest that the blacktip shark is the species most commonly involved in such incidents. These sharks often feed close to the shoreline and can mistakenly bite swimmers. To address these risks, Hilton Head lifeguards are trained to observe local waters for signs of sharks, including fish jumping out of the water or birds diving in the surf, which may signal the presence of sharks.
During the peak summer season, more than 60 lifeguards actively patrol the island’s 13.5 miles of beaches daily to provide safety and rapid response to potential incidents.
Background on Recent Incidents
The incident involving the 12-year-old girl came to light on June 11 when dispatch audio revealed that she had lost a substantial amount of blood due to her injury. This unfortunate event occurred in Florida, where she required emergency surgery following her shark bite while snorkeling.
In total, experts from the Florida Museum of Natural History recorded 47 unprovoked shark attacks worldwide in 2024, resulting in four fatalities. Although the overall statistics may seem alarming, it is essential to understand that the likelihood of encountering a shark is still incredibly low.
As the summer progresses, Hilton Head Island officials continue to provide updated information regarding shark encounters and emphasize the importance of adhering to safety guidelines at the beach. Beachgoers are encouraged to remain vigilant and to be aware of their surroundings while enjoying the waters.
As the summer season continues, visitors to Hilton Head Island are reminded of the importance of safety when swimming in areas known for marine life. Following safety protocols laid out by lifeguards and local officials can significantly reduce risks while enjoying the beauty of the beaches.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Dusky Shark Sighting Raises Conservation Concerns in Beaufort County
Additional Resources
- WJCL: Hilton Head Island Shark Bite
- Wikipedia: Shark Attack
- People: Girl, 12, Attacked by Shark
- Google Search: Shark Bites Statistics US
- Greenville Online: Shark Bites in South Carolina
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Shark
- WJCL: Hilton Head Island Shark Bite – Sea Pines
- Google News: Shark Attacks Hilton Head
Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT
The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort 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 Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). 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 Beaufort 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 updating content as new details emerge.
