News Summary
Increased shark activity has led to beach closures on Hilton Head Island following a series of shark bite incidents. Beachgoers are advised to stay alert, as lifeguards prioritize safety. A shark was recently spotted near Coligny Beach, prompting lifeguards to clear the water. After two reported shark bites, including one involving a 12-year-old girl, officials are reinforcing safety measures and encouraging adherence to lifeguard warnings during peak beach season.
Hilton Head Island – Increased shark activity has prompted beach closures on Hilton Head Island following a series of recent shark bite incidents. Beachgoers are urged to remain vigilant as local lifeguards take precautions to ensure their safety.
This incident comes on the heels of two reported shark bites that occurred just days apart on Hilton Head Island. One of these incidents involved a 12-year-old girl who sustained a leg wound consistent with a shark bite while at Sea Pines Resort. She was airlifted to a hospital for treatment, with her injuries being classified as non-life-threatening. Following this incident, lifeguards cleared the water for a half-mile radius in both directions for a couple of hours as a precaution.
Shortly after the girl’s injury, another incident occurred on the following Sunday at Coligny Beach, where a beachgoer suffered a serious suspected shark bite to the leg. Emergency response began on the scene from Shore Beach Service Lifeguards before the individual was transported to Hilton Head Medical Center for further treatment.
Witnesses noted that lifeguards were proactive in their response to potential shark sightings, clearing the water after spotting an increase in shark activity. Local experts emphasize that the majority of shark encounters in the area are non-fatal, with blacktip sharks being the most common culprits for bites in Hilton Head waters.
Statistically, Hilton Head Island experiences an average of two to three shark bites annually, with certain years witnessing spikes in activity. Last summer saw three likely encounters reported in July alone. This trend highlights the importance of monitoring water conditions and maintaining safety protocols during peak beach season.
In response to the increased shark activity, lifeguards are well-trained to observe for signs of sharks, which include fish jumping out of the water and birds diving for food. Throughout the peak summer season, more than 60 lifeguards patrol Hilton Head Island’s 13.5 miles of beach to ensure that swimmers remain safe while enjoying the ocean environment.
As summer progresses, officials encourage beachgoers to adhere to the guidance and warnings issued by lifeguards as a proactive measure against potential shark encounters. With the recent incidents prompting heightened awareness, precautions are in place to protect the community while enjoying the natural beauty and recreational opportunities of Hilton Head Island.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Hilton Head Island Reports Pair of Shark Attacks
Shark Bites Raise Concerns on Hilton Head Island
Hilton Head Island Reports Two Shark Attacks in Under a Week
Hilton Head Island Faces Increased Shark Attack Concerns
Shark Bite Incident at Coligny Beach Park on Hilton Head Island
Shark Bites Reported at Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Shark Attacks Raise Alarm on Hilton Head Island
Two Shark Bite Incidents Reported on Hilton Head Island
Rising Shark Bite Concerns on Hilton Head Island
Increase in Shark Sightings and Bites at Hilton Head Island
Additional Resources
- WJCL: Shark Sighting at Coligny Beach
- Wikipedia: Shark Encounters
- WTOC: Teen Girl Injured in Shark Bite Incident
- Google Search: Shark bites Hilton Head
- Island Packet: Shark Bite Updates
- Google Scholar: Shark attacks in Hilton Head
- USA Today: Shark Attack at Sea Pines Beach
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Shark behavior
- Travel and Tour World: Shark Encounter Beaches in the US
- Google News: Hilton Head shark sightings
