Coast Guard suspends search for missing swimmer at Hunting Island State Park

/News Release Agency - MilitaryPressReleases.com/ CHARLESTON, S.C. - The Coast Guard has suspended the search pending the development of new information for a missing swimmer off the coast of Hunting Island Beach in Beaufort, S.C. 

Missing is Joseph Scott, 31. 

The Coast Guard assisted the Beaufort Sheriff's Department with the search.  At approximately 4:20 p.m. Saturday, five people were swimming together at Hunting Island Beach and reported that the missing swimmer did not surface after going under the water. 

A Coast Guard HH-65 Dolphin rescue helicopter crew from Air Station Savannah, Ga., and a 25-foot rescue boat crew from Coast Guard Station Tybee Island, Ga., were involved in the search. 

The Coast Guard reminds the boating public and beachgoers to monitor coastal and offshore weather conditions prior to swimming and boating offshore. 

The greatest safety precaution that can be taken is to recognize the danger of rip currents and always remember to swim at beaches with lifeguards. The Coast Guard recommends swimmers and surfers avoid beaches where lifeguards are not on duty.

To monitor present conditions of local beaches, please click here:  http://www.ripcurrents.noaa.gov/forecasts.shtml

Saving Lives and Guarding the Coast Since 1790. The United States Coast Guard -- Proud History. Powerful Future.