Beaufort Co. reminds residents of cooling locations amid triple-digit heat

BLUFFTON, S.C. (WTOC) - As extreme heat continues to scorch the Coastal Empire and Lowcountry, Beaufort County leaders are urging residents to utilize public facilities to stay safe and beat the rising temperatures.

With the region entering its third consecutive week of temperatures topping 100 degrees, county officials are highlighting local libraries and recreation centers as free, air-conditioned options for those needing relief from the heat.

“It is increasingly tough in Beaufort County, especially as we enter our third week of over 100-degree temperatures,” Public Information Officer for Beaufort County, Hannah Nichols, said. “So, we want to make sure people are safe, that they are protected, that they are taking care of themselves, and their neighbors.”

Available amenities and activities

While these public spaces may not replace a traditional trip to the beach or pool, county officials emphasize that they offer a wide range of services beyond simply a place to sit in the air conditioning.

Visitors can access:

• Comfortable seating and high-performing air conditioning
• Public computers and high-speed internet
• Book selections and reading areas
• Playrooms for children
• Water bottles (available at select locations)
• Recreation amenities, including weight rooms and basketball courts at select centers

For Bluffton resident Brandon Bateman, the local library has become a summer sanctuary for his family, including his wife, their twin one-year-olds, and their four-year-old.

“I prefer the library because I like reading and there are computers here, there is a playroom if you have kids, so I think the library is like the best place honestly,” Bateman said. “This is our place to go when it’s too hot because we have toddlers... This is a place everyone can enjoy and get out of the heat.”

Locations and Operating Hours

Beaufort County facilities are spread across the region and remain open during their regular schedules, except on county or federal holidays.

Recreation Centers

The following recreation centers are open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday:

• Burton Wells Recreation Center (Beaufort)
• Buckwalter Recreation Center (Bluffton)

Public Library Branches

The Beaufort, Bluffton, and Hilton Head library branches are open during the following hours:

• Monday through Thursday: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Friday and Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Additionally, the Lobeco, Port Royal, and St. Helena library branches are open to the public during their normal operating hours.

Outdoor Cooling Options

For those looking to cool off outdoors, public splash pads are also active in the area:

• Bluffton: Splash pad at Oscar Frazier Park
• Port Royal: The town’s newly opened splash pad

County leaders remind residents to stay hydrated, check on vulnerable neighbors, and grab a water bottle when visiting any participating county facility.