Hilton Head lifeguards: Don’t swim in the ocean during the eclipse. Here’s why

Out of “extreme caution,” Hilton Head Island Beach Shore Services is advising swimmers to stay out of the ocean during the eclipse.

“It’s out of extreme caution really and not really knowing what is going to happen,” said Mike Wagner, Shore Beach Services director.

Part of the reason for the advisory is due to the possible lack of visibility for lifeguards, Wagner said. “It depends how dark it’s going to get. If it get’s dark enough where we can’t see things happening, that could pose a danger,” he said.

A second reason for concern is due to marine animal activity, Wagner said.

“It looks dark to them (during the eclipse), so they could possibly start doign whatever habits they would do at night” he said. “One of those habits for marine life is feeding.”

According to scientists, fish may start feeding more heavily during Monday’s total solar eclipse.

Eric Rosch, a Coastal Carolina University marine science professor, told The Sun News that a lot of marine predators go on feeding binges during low-light periods.

Wagner said lifeguards will not be shutting down the beaches at this point, but they are advising the public to take caution before, during and after the period of darkness.

This story was originally published August 21, 2017 at 12:24 PM with the headline "Hilton Head lifeguards: Don’t swim in the ocean during the eclipse. Here’s why."