News Summary
A father tragically drowned while trying to save his young son from a rip current at Hunting Island State Park. Despite the efforts of bystanders, he could not be revived, marking the third drowning in the area within days. Red flags were posted due to hazardous water conditions, highlighting the dangers of swimming in open waters during adverse weather. The incident has raised concerns about beach safety as the park attracts millions of visitors annually, yet lacks lifeguards on its public beaches.
Hunting Island, South Carolina
A tragic drowning incident occurred on July 4, 2023, at Hunting Island State Park when a father drowned while attempting to save his 4-year-old son from a dangerous rip current. Paul Peters, a 38-year-old resident of Indian Trail, North Carolina, was visiting the popular state park with his two children, aged 4 and 7, at the time of the incident.
The drowning happened around 11:30 a.m. as Peters and his youngest son were swept away by a strong current. Witnesses at the beach reported that Peters was struggling to hold his son above water while he was gasping for air. The swift response from bystanders proved to be life-saving, as they swiftly entered the water to assist. They managed to rescue the 4-year-old, who was subsequently taken to a nearby hospital for evaluation due to non-life-threatening injuries.
Unfortunately, the situation deteriorated for Peters. He was unresponsive when he was brought to shore, despite immediate attempts at CPR. Tragically, he was pronounced dead at approximately 12:10 p.m. The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office later confirmed the drowning incident.
This incident marked the third drowning in Beaufort County within a span of five days. Just days before, a 69-year-old man drowned at Coligny Beach on June 30, and a 65-year-old man drowned at Hunting Island State Park on July 1. The frequency of these tragedies raised concerns about water safety in the area.
On the day of the drowning, red flags were posted at Hunting Island State Park, indicating hazardous water conditions due to strong currents and high surf. The National Weather Service had issued warnings of a moderate risk for rip currents that day, which were linked to turbulent conditions driven by an approaching tropical storm.
Hunting Island State Park, known to attract around 1 million visitors annually, does not have lifeguards on its public beaches, making awareness of water safety crucial for beachgoers. The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office has emphasized the importance of being informed about swim conditions and current forecasts before entering the water.
In the wake of the tragedy, a GoFundMe campaign has been created by Peters’ family to assist with memorial expenses. The Sheriff’s Office has expressed its condolences to Peters’ family during this heartbreaking time and thanked bystanders and first responders for their efforts during the rescue operations.
This incident serves as a somber reminder of the inherent dangers associated with swimming in open waters, especially during periods of adverse weather and strong rip currents. Authorities stress that individuals must prioritize safety by staying informed about local beach conditions and exercising caution when enjoying recreational water activities.
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Additional Resources
- ABC News 4
- Wikipedia: Swimming Safety
- Bluffton Today
- Google Search: Hunting Island State Park
- Post and Courier
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hunting Island
- Live 5 News
- Google News: Drowning at Hunting Island State Park
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.
