Golfers spot beached manatee on golf course; initiate rescue
By Lydia Blackstone
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HILTON HEAD ISLAND, South Carolina (WJCL) — A beached manatee is safe after an unusual wildlife rescue unfolded Saturday on the ninth hole at Crescent Pointe Golf Club.
According to club officials, two golfers first spotted the stranded manatee and immediately contacted the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. General Manager Ron Schiavone and the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office worked quickly to secure the area and redirect golfers away from the animal.
Cpl. Dean Entrup with the Sheriff’s Office remained in constant communication with SCDNR, which was coordinating with partner agencies in Florida to determine the safest rescue plan. While awaiting further direction, Entrup relayed step-by-step care instructions — including keeping the manatee’s skin lightly hydrated with misting and damp towels without overcooling it.
Crescent Pointe Director of Marketing Dylan DeBellis and a community member shuttled back and forth on golf carts carrying buckets of water. Director of Agronomy Brian Roller tapped into a sprinkler head to set up a hose system, allowing workers to safely mist the animal.
Nearby residents Tommy O’Donnell and Ryleigh Durham also assisted, helping carry out SCDNR’s guidance without interfering more than necessary.
Club officials say the combined efforts helped stabilize the manatee until the tide returned. As water levels rose, the animal was able to move on its own and eventually slip back into deeper water. Authorities later checked nearby inlets and confirmed the manatee had not resurfaced, indicating it likely made a successful return to open water.
Crescent Pointe staff thanked the community, first responders and SCDNR for their teamwork during the rescue, saying the outcome was a testament to how quickly residents can come together in an emergency.
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