HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. (AP) — A lifeguard on South Carolina’s Hilton Head Island has been bitten by a shark, authorities said. The lifeguard is recovering and expected to survive after Tuesday’s attack, WTOC-TV reported.It was the second reported shark attack on a human in the past week on beaches near Savannah.
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Are there a lot of sharks in Hilton Head?
Shark safety on Hilton Head’s beaches
Hilton Head’s waters are home to 17 different kinds of sharks, according to marine biologist Amber Kuehn. Most commonly spotted off Hilton Head is the Atlantic Sharpnose shark, which grows to about four feet.
Is it safe to swim in the ocean at Hilton Head?
But unfortunately, beach time can be as dangerous as it is fun — particularly for swimmers making their way through the waves. According to Hilton Head Beach Services Director Mike Wagner, more than 20 people are rescued from near-drownings every year on Hilton Head.
Has there ever been a shark attack in South Carolina?
We’re engaging in aquatic activities that put us at risk,” Burgess said. And although reported shark sightings seem to be spiking, attacks are still rare. Only one shark attack was recorded on South Carolina beaches in 2021, researchers said. Experts say swimmers can take precautions to prevent shark attacks.
What sharks are in Hilton Head?
Atlantic Sharpnose Shark. In South Carolina, sharks happen. One of the most common shark species caught in the area is the sharpnose shark. They are a year-round resident of Hilton Head beaches and estuaries.
Are there alligators or crocodiles in Hilton Head?
Hilton Head and the lagoons of the lowcountry are brimming with alligators. Many get to be 10-12 feet long. Crocodiles don’t normally venture this far north.
Are there whales in Hilton Head?
There are some proper “whales” (The North Atlantic Right Whale) that visit near shore of the Hilton Head Island area during mid-winter, but they are typically several miles out into the ocean and only rarely seen, even by locals who are on the water frequently.
Are there poisonous snakes on Hilton Head Island?
While there are many different species of snakes inhabiting Hilton Head Island, a few stand out. Species that draw the most attention and concern are venomous—copperheads, water moccasins (cottonmouths) and Eastern diamondback rattlesnakes.
Are jellyfish bad at Hilton Head?
Luckily, the jellyfish that swim around Hilton Head Island are typically not large enough to do real damage, just cause some irritation, according to Wagner. Shore Services also says you shouldn’t let jellyfish scare you away from the ocean, but you should be careful. Copyright 2019 WTOC.
Is the water clear in Hilton Head SC?
The short answer is no. You will not be able to see anything more than about 10 inches down from the water surface. The ocean at Hilton Head is just not very clear water.
How shallow do sharks swim?
And that’s fine. Everybody can make their own personal decision, but realizing that sharks can get into water as shallow as five of six feet deep is something that people need to realize.”
Is Myrtle Beach shark infested?
With several bites in the Carolinas making headlines recently, many Grand Strand visitors are concerned that the coast has become a feeding frenzy for predatory sharks. However, despite these well-publicized incidents, the truth is that the threat of shark attacks in Myrtle Beach remains remarkably low.
Have there been any shark attacks in Myrtle Beach in 2021?
Only one shark attack was recorded on South Carolina beaches in 2021, researchers said. Experts say swimmers can take precautions to prevent shark attacks. Always be aware of your surroundings at the beach, as shallow areas can serve as nurseries for sharks.
Can I surf in Hilton Head?
About Hilton Head Island Surf Travel
Hilton Head is a beautiful, wooded and expensive resort island.The surf potential here is also not terribly good, due to a wide continental shelf and occasional sandbars from outflow from the Broad River, so you’ll find typical Carolina beachbreak with no real standout areas.
Are Hilton Head beaches nice?
South Carolina’s southernmost point, Hilton Head Island is a blissful close-to-home year-round beach paradise. Over 12 miles of uninterrupted hard-packed sand beaches are ideal for long romantic walks, family bike rides, and exciting wildlife viewing.
Can you snorkel in Hilton Head?
Although Hilton Head Island is one of the most well known beach areas in South Carolina, it is perhaps not one of the best and safest places to go snorkeling (or scuba diving, for that matter). This is because the visibility in the waters of Hilton Head Island is very low, with rather murky waters.
Is Hilton Head SC Safe?
Hilton Head Island has an overall crime rate of 14 per 1,000 residents, making the crime rate here near the average for all cities and towns of all sizes in America. According to our analysis of FBI crime data, your chance of becoming a victim of crime in Hilton Head Island is 1 in 73.
What do alligators in Hilton Head eat?
Alligators eat just about anything, including lizards, fish, snakes, turtles, small mammals, birds, crustaceans, and even small alligators. They hunt for prey underwater and often swallow their meal whole.
Were there slaves on Hilton Head Island?
The island was home to nearly two dozen plantations, where around 1,000 enslaved people toiled in oppressive conditions. When the Civil War erupted in 1861, the Union Army occupied Hilton Head, using the island as its headquarters for the blockade of the South Atlantic coast.
What is hurricane season in Hilton Head?
Atlantic Hurricane Season begins June 1st and ends November 30th.
What is the coldest month in Hilton Head SC?
January
The coldest month of the year in Hilton Head Island is January, with an average low of 43°F and high of 59°F.
