Full Notification

A 49-year-old man from Georgia drowned Thursday evening, July 24, 2025, while visiting Hilton Head Island.
 
At 7pm the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office Communications Center received a call that a water emergency was occurring at a beach in Sea Pines. It was learned the victim and his son were caught in a rip current while in the water. Hearing calls for help, bystanders entered the water to assist the victims. Hilton Head Island Fire and Rescue, along with Shore Beach Services, arrived on scene and assisted in bringing both victims, as well as the bystanders, back to shore. Once on shore lifesaving efforts were immediately started for the father.
 
Despite the efforts of bystanders and first responders, the man was later pronounced dead.
 
The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office urges everyone visiting local beaches to take water safety seriously.
 
The ocean can be unpredictable, and dangerous conditions, such as rip currents, can appear without warning. Our local National Weather Service office in Charleston ([www.weather.gov/chs]www.weather.gov/chs) and the National Hurricane Center ([www.weather.gov/safety/ripcurrent-forecasts]www.weather.gov/safety/ripcurrent-forecasts) provide up-to-date forecasts and warnings, including information on rip current risks.
 
Visitors to Hilton Head Island can check real-time beach conditions provided by Shore Beach Services at [www.shorebeach.com]www.shorebeach.com. Beach flags and signs at lifeguard stands also indicate current hazards, with yellow indicating moderate surf or currents, red indicating high hazard, and purple indicating 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.