Two shark attacks reported in Hilton Head amid summer crowds

On June 25, 2025, South Carolina officials reported two shark bites on Hilton Head Island within the same week, alarming both residents and tourists. The most recent incident occurred at Coligny Beach Park around noon, where a victim suffered significant leg lacerations consistent with a shark attack and was treated at a local hospital. This incident follows another shark bite reported on June 17, involving a 12-year-old girl swimming near Sea Pines Resort, who was seriously injured and required an airlift to a hospital in Savannah, Georgia. Despite rising fears among beachgoers, it's critical to note that shark attacks remain very rare. Experts state that the chances of being bitten are exceedingly low compared to other risks associated with outdoor activities. Furthermore, statistics indicate that unprovoked shark attacks have claimed far fewer lives than lightning strikes throughout history. Between 1959 and 2010, only 26 fatalities were attributed to shark bites in the U.S., while lightning strikes caused nearly 2,000 deaths during the same period. The Florida Museum keeps track of shark attacks and reported only 76 worldwide for the previous year, emphasizing how uncommon these events truly are. In light of these incidents, Hilton Head Island's beach officials and lifeguards are taking proactive measures to monitor ocean conditions and wildlife activity in real-time. They advise beachgoers to stay informed about their safety by following posted warnings around the beaches. For instance, purple flags will indicate the presence of dangerous marine life, while red and yellow flags will signal rough or moderate conditions respectively. Lifeguards also play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of swimmers, responding quickly to any potential threats in the water. As summer is the peak tourist season for Hilton Head, with a high influx of visitors, beach officials remind everyone to practice caution when swimming. Visitors are urged to swim in groups, avoid swimming during peak shark activity times such as dawn and dusk, and stay in lifeguard-monitored areas. Although incidents like these generate significant media coverage and concern, experts continue to reassure the public about the overall safety of beach activities.