More lifeguards on Hilton Head as crowds flock for Memorial Day weekend

HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. (WSAV) — For many families, taking a trip for Memorial Day weekend is a tradition, and Hilton Head has become a favorite spot for many. With the influx of visitors, extra lifeguards will be on standby to keep you and your family safe.

Many families, just like the Baranacks, count down the days until Memorial Day weekend. They packed their bags, leaving Ohio and heading straight to Hilton Head Island.

“I’ve been up and down the entire East Coast and it’s my favorite beach. I just love it, the atmosphere,” said Jeff Baranack. “I like the fact that it’s a big beach and you can ride your bike on it. The kids love it. It’s very safe.”

Making sure the Baranacks and families just like them have a safe vacation is top of mind for the folks at Shore Beach Services. If you plan on taking a swim this weekend, you’ll notice lifeguards everywhere, trained and ready to jump in at a moment’s notice.

“We bring in swimmers from all across the country, lifeguards from all across the country. Not all of them are collegiate-level swimmers, but a lot of them are,” said Mike Wagner, Beach Patrol Director of the Shore Beach Service. “You know, we’ve been able to compete nationally against other lifeguarding agencies with them.”

Before you head for the shore, you’ll want to remember some tips. Make sure you’ve got plenty of water to stay hydrated, use plenty of sunscreen, and when you’re picking a spot to set up your chairs and lay out, pick a spot near their stand.

“We have a system of flags for warnings,” Wagner said. “A purple flag means there are stinging marine life like jellyfish or stingrays. Yellow means the water’s a little rougher than usual, so use extra caution. A red flag means there’s a reason to stay out of the water. It could be lightning, we could have seen sharks, or the water could just be too rough that day.”

With a lot of visitors on the island, it can be easier for your little ones to get lost. Keep them close by, but in case they wander off, make sure they know the hotel where your family is staying.

“Every holiday weekend tends to be a big weekend for us with finding lost people. So the one thing we always tell everybody with your kids, with everybody in the party, is to know where you’re staying,” said Wagner. “Know the name of the beach, know the beach marker number where you are. And if you get lost, find one of our lifeguards or rental attendants right away.”