News Summary
A tragic drowning incident off North Myrtle Beach has claimed the life of Todd Hilliard, a resident from Kernersville, NC. This event, attributed to possible rip currents, has raised alarms regarding swimmer safety in the area. Despite immediate rescue efforts, Hilliard could not be revived, highlighting ongoing risks associated with rip currents. Authorities emphasize the need for heightened awareness of water conditions and safety precautions to prevent such tragedies, especially during peak beach season.
North Myrtle Beach – A tragic incident occurred off the coast of North Myrtle Beach on July 11, resulting in the drowning of Todd Hilliard, a 63-year-old resident from Kernersville, North Carolina. His untimely death has raised concerns about the growing risks associated with rip currents in the area.
Authorities from the Horry County Coroner’s Office determined that Hilliard’s death was due to drowning, which may have been preceded by a sudden medical event. Witnesses reported that he was observed floating face up and unresponsive in the water when he was located. His wife noted to first responders that he had a weak pulse and was on a ventilator upon their arrival.
Despite immediate efforts by lifeguards and first responders, including performing CPR and continuing life-saving measures during transport from the beach, Hilliard could not be revived. This incident marked a particularly perilous time for swimmers at North Myrtle Beach, coming just days after two other swimmers were pulled from the water due to rip currents, one of whom remains missing.
Rip Current Threats in the Region
Hilliard’s drowning coincided with a day when two additional swimmers were rescued from rip currents at Emerald Isle beach. The National Weather Service had issued warnings of frequent strong rip currents south of Cape Hatteras, with the risk being upgraded to high for areas ranging from Cape Hatteras to Ocracoke Inlet. Authorities were particularly concerned, given the elevated risks for beachgoers.
Data from the National Weather Service indicates a worrying trend, with 15 individuals rescued from rip currents along the North Carolina coast over two days prior to Hilliard’s incident. The holiday period around July 4 was particularly notable, with an uptick in water-related emergencies reported.
Rising Number of Surf Zone Fatalities
Hilliard’s drowning is part of a broader pattern of surf zone fatalities in 2023. To date, there have been 36 surf zone deaths this year across the region, with 21 of these attributed directly to rip currents. This worrying statistic highlights the dangers present at coastal areas and the need for individuals to remain vigilant while swimming or engaging in water activities.
Additionally, a report from June noted the drowning of a 23-year-old man, Matthew Bauer, at Holden Beach. These incidents underscore the importance of awareness and safety measures along the shoreline as rip currents pose a persistent threat, especially during times of high traffic at the beach when families and individuals seek relief from the summer heat.
Safety Advisories and Recommendations
In response to the recent incidents, the National Weather Service has strongly advised beachgoers to remain out of the water until conditions improve. Public safety officials emphasize the importance of understanding rip currents, recognizing their signs, and adhering to safety guidelines to prevent further tragedies. Beachgoers are encouraged to swim in designated areas where lifeguards are present, remain aware of weather and water conditions, and educate themselves about swimming safety in rip current-prone areas.
As the beach season continues, local authorities are committed to ensuring the safety of all beachgoers and urge everyone to take the necessary precautions to enjoy a safe and enjoyable experience along the coast.
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Additional Resources
- CBS 17 News
- Wikipedia: Rip Current
- WXII 12 News
- Google Search: Rip currents North Carolina
- WBTV News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Ocean Current
- Live 5 News
- Google News: Rip current warnings North Carolina
- WYFF 4 News
- Google Scholar: Rip Currents
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
