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Story Collection: 3 tips to stay safe during Hilton Head summer beach vacations

Stories by Island Packet journalists, with AI summarization

This collection of stories provides safety tips for visiting South Carolina beaches.

One article discusses shark-safe swimming practices, advising not to wear shiny clothing or swim alone away from the shore to reduce the risk of encounters. Additionally, a story stresses the danger of rip currents, urging beachgoers to recognize current signs and react correctly if caught. Meanwhile, another article offers advice on avoiding alligator encounters, recommending keeping a safe distance and not feeding them. Read the stories below.

Signage warns residents against the presence of alligators in Moss Creek, a private, gated community in Beaufort County. By Sarah Claire McDonald

NO. 1: THIS IS HOW TO AVOID BEING AN ALLIGATOR SNACK IN SC AND WHAT TO DO IF ONE GETS ITS TEETH IN YOU

Here’s how folks can avoid alligator attacks in South Carolina or, if one gets its teeth into you, how to escape. | Published April 18, 2024 | Read Full Story by Sarah Claire McDonald

A Shore Beach Service lifeguard displays a yellow flag that warns beach goers of stronger than usual surf, including rip currents. By Drew Martin

NO. 2: RIP CURRENTS KILL 8 PEOPLE ON AVERAGE ANNUALLY IN THE CAROLINAS. HERE’S HOW TO STAY SAFE

With the tropics kicking up, local meteorologists say rip currents risks are increasing in the Lowcountry. | Published June 19, 2024 | Read Full Story by Sarah Haselhorst

Unprovoked shark bites doubled last year in South Carolina. This shark has lots of mating scars on her body.

NO. 3: ARE SHARK ATTACKS ON THE RISE? HERE’S WHAT TO KNOW & HOW TO STAY SAFE IN SC WATERS

Want to avoid a run in with a shark in South Carolina waters this summer? Here’s what to do. | Published June 15, 2024 | Read Full Story by Sarah Claire McDonald

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.