News Summary
A tragic drowning occurred at Sea Pines Beach when Saumen Kundu, a 49-year-old man from Georgia, died attempting to rescue his son from a rip current. Despite quick response from emergency services, Kundu was pronounced dead at the scene, while his son was rescued unharmed. This incident highlights growing concerns about beach safety, especially given the recent increase in drownings in Beaufort County. Local officials are urging swimmers to adhere to safety protocols, including understanding hazard flags and avoiding deep waters when lifeguards are off duty.
Hilton Head Island, SC – A tragic drowning incident occurred on July 24, 2025, when a 49-year-old man from Georgia, Saumen Kundu, died while attempting to rescue his son from a rip current at Sea Pines Beach. The incident took place around 7:00 PM, and emergency responders pronounced Kundu dead at approximately 7:51 PM, despite efforts to revive him.
According to reports, both Kundu and his son found themselves in a rip current while swimming. They called for help, prompting two nearby bystanders to enter the water in an attempt to assist. Emergency services, including Hilton Head Island Fire and Rescue and Shore Beach Services, arrived shortly after the incident was reported at around 7:15 PM. The initial rescue efforts focused on bringing Kundu, his son, and the assisting bystanders back to shore.
Rescue teams quickly initiated lifesaving measures on Kundu after he was brought ashore; however, these efforts were ultimately unsuccessful, and Kundu was pronounced dead at the scene. Fortunately, Kundu’s son was rescued unharmed.
This drowning incident marks the fifth such tragedy in Beaufort County in recent weeks, raising serious concerns about water safety in the region. Other recent drownings this summer included a 69-year-old man near Coligny Beach Park and a 65-year-old man at Hunting Island State Park.
The local authorities have noted the timing of lifeguard services as a contributing factor to the recent spike in drownings. Lifeguards typically conclude their duties around 5 PM but remain on-call afterward, which has raised issues regarding swimmer safety during evening hours.
City officials emphasize the critical importance of water safety measures for beachgoers. During a public address, measures were outlined, which include understanding the use of flags at lifeguard posts to signify ocean dangers. Furthermore, the buddy system is strongly recommended for swimmers, and visitors are advised to steer clear of deep water when lifeguards are not present.
Officials have also underscored that sudden storms can drastically change water conditions, making it necessary for beach visitors to remain vigilant and cautious. Swimmers should be aware of natural hazards, such as rip currents, rocks, and ocean waves, which can pose significant risks.
The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office has been engaged in raising awareness about water safety and is actively encouraging locals and visitors alike to take precautions seriously, especially in light of the recent increase in drowning incidents. These tragic events serve as a reminder of the ever-present dangers of ocean swimming and the vital importance of adhering to safety protocols.
As the summer season continues, officials are urging everyone to prioritize their safety and that of others while enjoying the beautiful beaches of Hilton Head Island.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Tragic Drowning Incident on Hilton Head Island
Tragic Drowning Incident on Hilton Head Island
Man Drowns While Rescuing Son from Rip Current
Safety Concerns Rise in Beaufort County After Fatal Incidents
Beaufort Fire Alarm at Hospital Activated, No Smoke Found
Fatal Collision in Hilton Head Claims Driver’s Life
Fatal Car Accident on Hilton Head Island
Tragic Boating Accident Claims Two Lives Near Hilton Head Island
Missing Beaufort County Man Found Safe
Beaufort County Authorities Locate Missing Man
Additional Resources
- WTOC
- Wikipedia: Water Safety
- WJCL
- Google Search: Drowning Hilton Head Island
- ABC News 4
- Google Scholar: Water Safety “Rip Currents”
- Island Packet
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Drowning
- Bluffton Today
- Google News: Beaufort County Drowning
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.
