BEAUFORT COUNTY, S.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) – A 38-year-old Indian Trail father is dead after authorities said he and his 4-year-old son were swept into a rip current on the Fourth of July.
The incident happened around 11:30 a.m. Friday, July 4, at Hunting Island State Park.
As the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office arrived at the scene, deputies learned that a family visiting from Union County, North Carolina, had been enjoying the beach when a father and his young son were swept into a rip current.
Deputies said several bystanders who witnessed the incident quickly entered the water to help. The child was brought safely to shore and rushed to a nearby hospital for evaluation. Despite the heroic actions of those who assisted, deputies said the father was unresponsive when brought to shore. CPR was performed, but tragically, he was pronounced dead.
The Beaufort County Coroner’s Office identified the man as Paul Peters, 38, of Indian Trail, North Carolina. He died as a result of drowning.
"Paul spent his final moments ensuring his sons would live. He died a hero — sacrificing his own life to protect the people he loved most. His courage and selflessness speak volumes about the kind of man he was," family friends shared, who also started a GoFundMe campaign to help. “Our thoughts are with the family during this incredibly difficult time. The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office thanks the brave bystanders who acted without hesitation and all first responders who provided aid at the scene,” the sheriff’s office shared on Monday in a released statement. The sheriff's office is urging beachgoers to follow these water safety tips:
Do not enter the water if you cannot swim Swim near a lifeguard whenever possible Ask about conditions before entering the ocean, especially when flags are posted Supervise children closely at all times Never swim alone; always use the buddy system Stay within your depth and avoid overestimating your abilities Watch out for drop-offs and changing water depths Do not rely on inflatable flotation devices Swim parallel to shore if swimming for distance Never swim while intoxicated Always enter the water feet first to avoid spinal injuries Report dangerous conditions to a lifeguard or beach attendant If you’re in trouble, wave or call for help immediately Read More Details
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