September 29, 2025

Beaufort County Issues Rip Current Warning Ahead of Tropical Storm

Beaufort County, September 29, 2025

News Summary

Beaufort County has announced a rip current warning in response to Tropical Storm Imelda, which is expected to create hazardous swimming conditions along the coast. The warning is active from Monday morning to 8 p.m. and affects several counties. Beachgoers are strongly advised to swim near lifeguards and to remain vigilant about changing ocean conditions. Recent tragic incidents highlight the importance of water safety in light of the warning as red flags signal danger at local beaches.

Beaufort County Issues Rip Current Warning Ahead of Tropical Storm Imelda

Beaufort County has issued a rip current warning due to the effects of Tropical Storm Imelda, which could lead to dangerous swimming conditions along the coast. The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office announced that the warning is in effect from Monday morning through 8 p.m. on the same day, covering specific coastal counties including Chatham, Jasper, Beaufort, and Bryan.

While Tropical Storm Imelda is not expected to make landfall, it will still generate hazardous water conditions in the Lowcountry. Swimmers are strongly urged to exercise caution as ocean conditions can change rapidly. The warning serves as a reminder that rip currents can pose significant risks, even for experienced swimmers.

Beachgoers are highly advised to swim near a lifeguard when possible. Lifeguards are trained to assist in emergencies and can provide important safety measures. In case individuals find themselves caught in a rip current, they are recommended to relax and let the current carry them to calmer waters or attempt to swim parallel to the shoreline until they are out of the current’s grip.

To further signify the hazardous swimming conditions, red flags are being flown at beaches across the Lowcountry and Coastal Empire. The Tybee Island Ocean Rescue and Shore Beach Service in Hilton Head Island will also be flying red flags to warn visitors of the dangerous conditions.

This warning follows a recent tragic incident where a man drowned while visiting a beach in Beaufort County. The incident occurred around 7 p.m. when he and his son were caught in a rip current. Bystanders attempted to assist, and emergency responders from Hilton Head Island Fire and Rescue tried lifesaving measures on the man, but unfortunately, they were unsuccessful, leading to the man’s death.

This incident, along with another drowning that took place on Independence Day when a North Carolina man and his 4-year-old son were swept into a rip current at Hunting Island, underscores the critical importance of water safety. In that case, the child was rescued by bystanders but the father was found unresponsive when brought to shore and subsequently died. The deceased man in this incident was identified by the Beaufort County Coroner’s Office as 38-year-old Paul Peters from Indian Trail, North Carolina.

In light of these incidents, beachgoers are advised to monitor real-time beach conditions through the Shore Beach Services website and to stay updated on hazardous conditions through the National Weather Service.

Key Points

Rip current warning is active from Monday morning to 8 p.m.
Covering Chatham, Jasper, Beaufort, and Bryan counties.
Tropical Storm Imelda affects ocean conditions, but will not make landfall.
Experiencing rip currents can be dangerous even for seasoned swimmers.
Swimmers urged to stay near lifeguards for safety.
Red flags are being flown at numerous beaches indicating dangerous conditions.
Recent drowning incidents emphasize the seriousness of water safety.
Beachgoers should check real-time conditions through official sources.

FAQ

What is the duration of the rip current warning in Beaufort County?

The warning is in effect from Monday morning through 8 p.m. on Monday evening.

Which counties are affected by the rip current warning?

The affected counties include Chatham, Jasper, Beaufort, and Bryan.

What emergency measures should swimmers take if caught in a rip current?

If caught in a rip current, it is recommended to relax and let the current carry you to calmer waters or attempt to swim parallel to the shoreline.

What recent incidents have highlighted the dangers of rip currents?

A man drowned while visiting a beach in Beaufort County after being caught in a rip current, and another drowning incident occurred on Independence Day involving a North Carolina man and his son.

Important Safety Information

Feature	Detail
Warning Duration	Monday morning to 8 p.m. Monday evening
Affected Counties	Chatham, Jasper, Beaufort, Bryan
Tropical Storm Imelda Impact	Hazardous conditions despite not making landfall
Swimming Safety	Swim near lifeguards; red flags indicate danger
Recent Incidents	Two drowning incidents highlighting risks

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Additional Resources

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.

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.

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