News Summary
A 12-year-old girl suffered a shark bite while swimming at Hilton Head Island, requiring airlift to a Savannah hospital. Initial treatment was provided on-site following the incident. Despite blood loss, her injuries are deemed non-life-threatening. This incident, occurring shortly after another shark bite involving a child in Florida, raises concerns about beach safety as the summer season begins. Local lifeguards emphasize the importance of awareness regarding potential shark activity, especially during peak beach attendance periods.
Hilton Head Island – A 12-year-old girl was airlifted to a hospital in Savannah following a shark bite incident on Tuesday. The girl sustained a leg injury just below the knee while swimming at beach marker 24 in the Sea Pines Resort area of Hilton Head Island around noon.
First responders, including Shore Beach Service and Hilton Head Fire-Rescue, promptly attended to the scene. After providing initial treatment on-site, the victim was transported to Hilton Head Island Airport for airlift to a medical facility in Savannah for further treatment. Initial dispatch audio raised questions on whether the injury was caused by a shark or a stingray, but later confirmations indicated it was likely a shark bite. Despite significant blood loss, authorities classified her injury as non-life-threatening.
This incident marks the second shark bite involving a child reported in recent days; a 9-year-old girl named Leah Lendel suffered a severe shark bite in Florida just prior. These occurrences have led to increased concern among beachgoers, highlighting a troubling start to the summer season, typically marked by increased beach activity.
Unprovoked shark attacks are relatively rare. According to the International Shark Attack File, there were 88 alleged shark-human interactions worldwide in 2024, out of which 71 were confirmed as shark bites. Southern blacktip sharks are often associated with such incidents, as they are frequently found near shorelines while feeding.
Local lifeguards are trained to detect signs of shark activity, especially during peak swimming months, and they play a vital role in ensuring the safety of swimmers and beachgoers. While Hilton Head Island averages two to three shark bites each year, spikes in incidents can occur during busy months when beach attendance is at its peak.
This recent shark bite incident is reported as the first likely occurrence of Hilton Head’s summer season in 2025. The local community, while accustomed to the risks associated with swimming in ocean waters, is urged to remain vigilant and aware of their surroundings as the summer progresses.
As the tourism season continues, officials emphasize the importance of safety measures and staying informed about local wildlife activity to ensure a safe and enjoyable beach experience for everyone.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Hilton Head Island Airlifts 12-Year-Old Girl After Shark Attack
Beach Safety Guidelines for Families in Hilton Head
Shark Bite Incident on Hilton Head Island Leaves Girl Injured
12-Year-Old Girl Airlifted After Suspected Shark Bite in Hilton Head
12-Year-Old Girl Airlifted After Suspected Shark Bite in Hilton Head
Beachgoer Hospitalized After Shark Attack in Hilton Head
Shark Bite Incident Injures Girl Off Hilton Head Island
Swimmer Airlifted After Shark Bite Incident on Hilton Head
Shark Bite Reported on Hilton Head Island, Victim Airlifted
Beachgoer Airlifted After Suspected Shark Bite on Hilton Head Island
Additional Resources
- Fox News: Two Shark Attacks Reported
- Wikipedia: Shark Attack
- CBS News: Shark Attack in Hilton Head
- Google Search: Shark Attack Hilton Head
- WJCL: Hilton Head Island Shark Bite
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Shark
- USA Today: Shark Attack at Sea Pines Beach
- Google News: Hilton Head Shark Attack
