HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. — A lifeguard was hospitalized Tuesday after being bitten by a shark on Hilton Head Island, officials said.
The lifeguard, whose name was not revealed, was checking water conditions at Barrington Beach at about 11:45 a.m. EDT when the shark attacked, WSAV reported.
According to the operations manager of Shore Beach Services, the lifeguard suffered deep lacerations to his chest, according to WTOC. The wounds were characterized as serious but not life-threatening, the television station reported.
The lifeguard was transported by helicopter to a hospital in Savannah, Georgia, WSAV reported.
An official with Shore Beach Services said the water at the beach was kept clear in a half-mile area for about 90 minutes, the television station reported.
It was the second shark attack in a week in the area between Savannah and Hilton Head Island.
On July 27, a surfing instructor nicknamed “Hot Sushi” was bitten at Tybee Island, Georgia, while teaching a surfing class, WSAV reported.
Atsushi Yamada said he was grateful he did not suffer more serious injuries.
“I joke with people -- my nickname is Hot Sushi,” Yamada told WSAV. “I’m still Hot Sushi, not cold sushi yet.”
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