News Summary
A series of drownings in Beaufort County, SC, has raised alarms about the risks of rip currents along the coast. The National Weather Service has issued a moderate rip current risk for several counties, urging caution among beachgoers. Local officials emphasize swimming near lifeguards and being aware of weather conditions. Tragically, two men drowned in separate incidents over the weekend, prompting investigations by the Sheriff’s Office. Awareness and preparedness have become critical as officials seek to prevent further tragedies during the busy summer season.
Beaufort County, SC – A series of tragic drownings has drawn attention to the dangers posed by rip currents along South Carolina’s coastline. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a moderate rip current risk forecast for Beaufort, Coastal Colleton, Charleston, and Coastal Jasper counties, effective from Saturday morning through Saturday evening. Residents and visitors are urged to swim near lifeguards and to exercise caution during these hazardous conditions.
The advisory is set to remain in effect until 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 5, 2025. Individuals caught in a rip current are advised not to fight against the water movement; instead, they should remain calm and float until help can arrive. Those who feel they cannot escape should attempt to swim parallel to the shore or signal for assistance by facing the beach and waving or calling out.
In a sobering reminder of the risks associated with ocean swimming, two men visiting from Georgia drowned in separate incidents in Beaufort County within a short period. The first tragedy occurred on June 30 at around 6:30 p.m. at Coligny Beach on Hilton Head Island, involving 69-year-old William King. After being rescued from the water by a bystander, King’s condition was assessed by a lifeguard on the scene, but he was later declared dead after arriving at the beach.
The following day, another distressing incident unfolded at Hunting Island State Park. Around 5:30 p.m. on July 1, a 65-year-old man was discovered floating in the water. A nearby fisherman noticed the emergency and swam out to attempt a rescue, performing CPR on the man. Unfortunately, he was pronounced dead at the scene, and his identity remains undisclosed while notification to next of kin is pending.
The Beaufort County Coroner’s Office confirmed William King’s identification, while the second victim’s name has not been released. In the wake of these incidents, the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office is conducting investigations into both drowning events. Reports indicate that seven officers responded to the emergency at Hunting Island State Park.
In light of these fatalities, local officials continue to stress the importance of water safety, particularly during the busy Fourth of July weekend and throughout the summer beach season. They recommend that beachgoers remain aware of local weather and surf conditions, utilizing resources such as the NWS and local beach services for updates.
Shore Beach Services has implemented a flag system to alert the public about water conditions: a yellow flag indicates a moderate hazard for surf or currents; a red flag signifies high danger; and a purple flag warns of the presence of dangerous marine life. During this current advisory period, the Tybee Island Ocean Rescue has also issued a strong warning against entering the water beyond knee-depth, displaying double red flags.
Aside from the tragic drownings, the month of June also reported two non-life-threatening shark bites on Hilton Head Island, highlighting additional risks associated with ocean activities. Officials are encouraging the community to take every precaution while enjoying the summer at the beach, reiterating that being aware and prepared can prevent further tragedies.
As the weekend approaches, local authorities hope that those venturing to the beaches will heed safety warnings and remain vigilant, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Investigation Underway After Discovery of Skeletal Remains on St. Helena Island
Tragic Drowning Incidents in Beaufort County
Tybee Island Police Seek Suspect in Church Van Theft
Protesters Gather in Beaufort Amid Flag Day Celebration
Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office Seeks Help Locating Runaway Girl
Escalating Israel-Iran Conflict Triggers Evacuations and Casualties
Traffic Delays in Beaufort Due to Sinkhole Repairs
Wildfires Rage in South Carolina, Prompting Emergency Measures
Tragic Drowning Incident on Hilton Head Island
Shooter Remains at Large Following Fatal Columbia Shooting
Additional Resources
- WTOK: Dangerous Rip Currents Expected at South Carolina Beaches
- NBC News: Ernesto Regains Hurricane Status
- Bluffton Today: Two Drown in Separate Days in Beaufort County
- Google Search: Rip Currents South Carolina
- Post and Courier: Drowning at Hilton Head and Hunting Island
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Rip Current
- Fox Weather: Two Men Drown in Hilton Head
- WYFF4: South Carolina Beach Drowning Deaths
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.
