Full Notification

The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office has responded to two separate drowning incidents this week involving visitors from Georgia.

On Monday, June 30, 2025, a 69-year-old man from Georgia drowned at Coligny Beach on Hilton Head Island. Deputies were dispatched to Coligny Beach shortly before 6:30 p.m. for a medical emergency. A bystander assisted in bringing the man to shore, where a lifeguard met them and immediately began lifesaving measures.

The following day, Tuesday, July 1, 2025, a 65-year-old man, also from Georgia, drowned while at Hunting Island State Park. Deputies responded shortly before 5:30 p.m. after a bystander fishing along the shoreline saw the man floating in the water, swam out to him, and brought him ashore before starting CPR.

Despite efforts by bystanders and first responders in both cases, both men passed away. The Beaufort County Coroner’s Office will release their identities once the next of kin have been notified.

As we approach the busy Independence Day weekend and the height of summer beach season, the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office urges everyone visiting local beaches to take water safety seriously.

The ocean can be unpredictable, and dangerous conditions like rip currents can appear without warning. Our local National Weather Service office in Charleston (www.weather.gov/chs) and National Hurricane Center (www.weather.gov/safety/ripcurrent-forecasts) provide up-to-date forecasts and warnings, including rip current risks.

Visitors to Hilton Head Island can check real-time beach conditions provided by Shore Beach Service at www.shorebeach.com. Beach flags and signs at lifeguard stands also indicate current hazards, yellow for moderate surf or currents, red for high hazard, and purple for dangerous marine life.

Beachgoers are urged to follow these water safety tips:

• Do not enter the water if you cannot swim.
• Swim near a lifeguard whenever possible.
• Ask about conditions before entering the ocean, especially when flags are posted.
• Supervise children closely at all times.
• Never swim alone; always use the buddy system.
• Stay within your depth and avoid overestimating your abilities.
• Watch out for drop-offs and changing water depths.
• Do not rely on inflatable flotation devices.
• Swim parallel to shore if swimming for distance.
• Never swim while intoxicated.
• Always enter the water feet first to avoid spinal injuries.
• Report dangerous conditions to a lifeguard or beach attendant.
• If you’re in trouble, wave or call for help immediately.