Effort coming for lifeguards on Hunting Island

BEAUFORT, S.C. (AP) — An attempt to restore lifeguard service on Hunting Island moves to Columbia next month.

The Island Packet of Hilton Head reports (http://bit.ly/19jBFYg) some Beaufort residents will make a presentation to a legislative committee in Columbia on Jan. 9.

There have been six drownings off Hunting Island State Park in the last four years. The park has not had lifeguards since 1998.

Shore Beach Services provides lifeguards on Hilton Head Island. Director Ralph Wagner estimates it would cost about $40,000 in startup costs and about $95,000 a year to provide service at several locations on Hunting Island between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

Hilton Head Island attorney Russell Patterson says lifeguards can help people avoid dangerous situations.

A Chesnee man, his son and a nephew drowned at Hunting Island in July.

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Information from: The Island Packet, http://www.islandpacket.com