News Summary
As the 69th annual Beaufort Water Festival kicks off, organizers are implementing special safety measures to protect attendees from extreme heat. Scheduled activities include an airshow and the Blessing of the Fleet, along with numerous entertainment options. The festival is focused on ensuring visitor safety, with hydration stations and a Clear Bag Policy. Despite some delays due to weather, the event is expected to have a significant economic impact on the local community.
Beaufort – The 69th annual Beaufort Water Festival is poised to welcome a large number of attendees this weekend, with temperatures in the Lowcountry expected to feel like they are climbing into the 100s. Special precautions are in place to ensure the safety and enjoyment of festival-goers amid the forecasted heat.
Among the numerous activities lined up for the festival, an airshow is scheduled for Saturday, while the traditional Blessing of the Fleet will take place on Sunday. As excitement builds for these events, local first responders are urging attendees to prepare adequately for the extreme weather conditions. They recommend that visitors stay hydrated, ideally starting the day before attending the festival. This is essential for preventing heat-related illnesses.
Chief Tim Ogden of the Beaufort Port Royal Fire Department has advised the public to use protective measures against the sun, including applying sunblock, wearing hats, and seeking shade, especially for children. To enhance safety during the festival, the Beaufort Port Royal Fire Department will deploy ATVs throughout the event area, providing rapid response capabilities to ensure timely assistance if necessary.
In addition, the festival is installing multiple hydration stations, with plans to add even more as the weekend unfolds. Should individuals experience symptoms of heat exhaustion, such as dizziness or confusion, they are urged to seek help immediately. Safety remains a top priority for organizers as they prepare for the influx of attendees.
The festival commenced on Friday, July 11, with opening ceremonies and a planned fireworks display. However, due to inclement weather, Friday’s events had to be canceled. The festival is scheduled to continue for a total of ten days and is projected to generate an estimated economic impact of $7 million for the local community.
This year’s festival is themed “Blue Skies & Starry Nights,” and includes a variety of entertainment options, food vendors, and arts & crafts market activities. Musical performances and various competitions are also part of this year’s offerings, attracting diverse crowds looking to enjoy the festivities.
In terms of security and safety measures, the festival has implemented a Clear Bag Policy, permitting only see-through bags. Attendees are prohibited from bringing in food or beverages, coolers, pets, concealed weapons, or recording devices. Security personnel will conduct searches of bags as necessary to maintain a safe environment for everyone in attendance.
Severe weather protocols are in effect throughout the duration of the festival. Should lightning occur within a 15-mile radius, warnings will be issued; if it occurs within 10 miles, festival-goers will be instructed to take cover. The festival also features a digital ticketing system, eliminating the need for physical tickets, making entrance to the site more efficient. Children under five years old can enter for free; however, young guests are not allowed at certain evening events.
While lawn chairs are permitted, strollers will not be allowed during the more popular evening concerts to accommodate crowd movement and safety. attendees are encouraged to plan ahead to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.
The Beaufort Water Festival has long been a cherished tradition in the area, and this year’s events promise to continue that legacy, even as heat safety remains at the forefront of considerations for organizers and attendees alike.
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Additional Resources
- WJCL: Beaufort County Officials Issue Heat Safety Tips for Water Festival
- Wikipedia: Beaufort County, South Carolina
- WTOC: Beaufort Water Festival Cancels Friday Festivities
- Google Search: Beaufort Water Festival 2025
- Your Island News: 69th Annual Water Festival – What You Need to Know
- Google Scholar: Beaufort Water Festival
- Island Packet: Beaufort News – Water Festival Updates
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Festival
- WTOC: 69th Beaufort Water Festival Begins Soon
- Google News: Beaufort Water Festival
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.
