News Summary
Over the recent holiday week, three tragic drownings occurred at beaches in Beaufort County, raising concerns about water safety. The victims include a man who tried to save his child, highlighting the dangers of rip currents. Local authorities have issued water safety tips and are investigating the incidents to prevent future tragedies. Deteriorating weather conditions and a nearby tropical storm have exacerbated the risks for beachgoers, prompting calls for increased awareness and vigilance during busy periods.
Beaufort County, South Carolina – Three Men Drown in Separate Incidents at Local Beaches Over Holiday Week
Three men drowned at Beaufort County beaches during the holiday week, raising serious concerns about water safety amidst recent weather challenges. The Beaufort County Coroner’s Office has confirmed the identities of the victims and is continuing investigations into the incidents.
On July 4th, Paul Peters, a 38-year-old resident from Indian Trail, North Carolina, tragically drowned at Hunting Island State Park. Peters was reportedly attempting to save one of his children who was being carried away by a rip current when the incident occurred around noon. Rescue efforts were initiated, but they were too late to save him.
Just three days earlier, on July 1st, Steven Thackston, a 65-year-old man from Decatur, Georgia, also drowned at the same state park. Thackston was discovered by a fisherman who noticed him floating in the water and swam out to assist. Upon bringing Thackston to shore, bystanders immediately began performing CPR. Sadly, despite their efforts and those of first responders, Thackston was pronounced dead at the scene.
The first incident of the week occurred on June 30th, when 69-year-old William King from Georgia drowned at Coligny Beach on Hilton Head Island around 7 p.m. Emergency services were alerted to the situation just before 6:30 p.m., following the assistance of bystanders who managed to bring King to shore. Lifeguards on duty provided lifesaving measures, but they were ultimately unable to revive him.
The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office is investigating each of these incidents to determine the circumstances surrounding the drownings. Increased vigilance has been urged, as the local authorities have issued water safety tips for beachgoers, reminding them to remain cautious and alert while enjoying the coastal waters.
These recent drownings underline a significant public safety concern, particularly regarding the prevalence of rip currents in the area. Beach conditions have been affected by deteriorating weather, attributed to a nearby tropical storm that has raised the risk factors for strong and dangerous currents.
As families and friends mourn the loss of their loved ones, the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office has expressed its condolences, acknowledging the pain left in the wake of these tragic accidents. Officials are hopeful that by spreading awareness of water safety practices and the potential dangers associated with swimming in coastal areas, future incidents can be prevented.
Beachgoers are reminded to stay informed about weather conditions before heading out, to swim only in designated areas supervised by lifeguards, and to look out for warning flags that indicate unsafe swimming conditions.
As investigations continue, community leaders are calling for greater awareness and preparation regarding water safety, particularly during busy holiday periods when families gather at the beach. The safety of all visitors to Beaufort County beaches remains a top priority in light of these recent tragedies.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Tragic Drownings in Beaufort County Amid Rip Current Risks
Tragic Drownings Highlight Rip Current Dangers in Beaufort County
Tragic Drownings in South Carolina Beaches Prompt Safety Warnings
Tragic Drowning Incidents in Beaufort County
Tragic Drowning Incident on Hilton Head Island
Additional Resources
- WTOC: Man’s Drowning Marks 3rd Drowning Death
- Google Search: Beaufort County drowning incidents
- Live 5 News: Beaufort County Drownings
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Drowning
- ABC News 4: Drownings at Hunting Island State Park
- WSAV: Second Drowning on Hunting Island
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.
