Three people have drowned in Beaufort County waters over the past week, prompting warnings from local law enforcement and beach officials during the busy summer season.
Within just five days, three separate fatal incidents occurred in coastal waters in Hilton Head and Hunting Island, deeply impacting both visitors and the local community. On Monday, June 30, William King, a 69-year-old visitor from Georgia, drowned at Coligny Beach. The following afternoon, 65-year-old Steven Thackston, also from Georgia, drowned at Hunting Island State Park. Then on Friday, July 4, 38-year-old Paul Peters of North Carolina drowned at the same park after rescuing his four-year-old child from a rip current.
In each case, the victims were recovered from the water unresponsive. Despite quick intervention from bystanders and first responders, all three victims died at the scene. While officials have not connected the incidents, this tragic pattern underscored the importance of water safety during one of the busiest weekends of the year.
The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) expressed condolences to the families of the victims and commended the efforts of those who intervened. In a public statement, officials emphasized the need for increased caution along the coast, especially during high-traffic beach weekends, urging residents and visitors to “protect yourself and your loved ones by following critical water safety tips and always check local conditions before entering the ocean.” An earlier statement from the BCSO lists a number of helpful “beach safety tips” for residents and tourists to consider when visiting our local beaches, including the following:
- Swim near a lifeguard and obey flag warnings.
- Never swim alone or under the influence.
- Supervise children at all times.
- Avoid overestimating your swimming ability.
- Don’t rely on inflatable flotation devices.
- Report hazardous conditions and seek help immediately if needed.
Beachgoers are urged to check local surf conditions, follow posted signage and flag systems, swim only in designated areas, and avoid entering the water alone or during rough surf conditions. Rip currents remain one of the most dangerous and often underestimated threats to swimmers, even those who are well experienced.
As families continue to flock to Beaufort’s beaches, officials hope these events will serve as a call for increased awareness and caution when going into the water. Each of the three lives lost this week leaves behind loved ones and communities now facing unimaginable grief. In honoring them, practicing beach safety and watching out for one another could help prevent future tragedy.
For more information on current surf zones and ripcurrents, visit the following:
Beaufort Insider will continue to monitor this story and provide updates as more information becomes available.