Increased Stingray Incidents in Southern California Beaches

Southern California beaches, such as Bolsa Chica State Beach, have witnessed a significant rise in stingray incidents. Jake Hemann, a tourist learning to surf, found himself with a painful sting after mistaking a stingray for a sharp stick. He joined other beachgoers at the lifeguard station, using hot water to alleviate the pain.

The number of people injured by stingrays has increased notably compared to previous years. Bolsa Chica and Huntington State Beaches reported over 3,100 incidents this year, doubling last year’s figures. Huntington Beach alone reported more than 2,000 occurrences. In San Diego, over 900 stings were recorded in the first half of this year, surpassing numbers from the past five years.

We’re definitely seeing an increase, said Bryan R. Etnyre, state park superintendent in northern Orange County. Warming ocean temperatures consistently stay in the 60s, attracting both rays and people.

Round stingrays thrive in warmer waters from Panama to Southern California. They move towards the shore as temperatures rise. A decrease in natural predators such as sharks and sea bass has contributed to their growing numbers, noted Chris Lowe, a marine biology professor at California State University, Long Beach.

Rays are instinctively drawn to warm waters, like lagoons, where they breed and feed. Females prefer these conditions for reproduction. Males look for food along the shore. The current rise in temperatures is linked to human-driven climate change, with this year seeing a persistent marine heat wave off the West Coast.

More people are visiting beaches post-pandemic, seeking outdoor activities. Warm waters entice swimmers, raising the chance of stingray encounters. When stepped on, rays react with a defensive tail flick, injecting venom through their barbs. Lifeguards recommend shuffling feet to avoid stings, a practice that encourages rays to move away.

Seal Beach, known as “ray bay,” sees this pattern, although stings haven’t changed much there. Recently, researchers caught about 200 stingrays in a section of the beach.

There can be so many that they carpet the bottom, Lowe explained. El Niños bring more rays north, closer to shore, leading us to expect record numbers this year.

Stingray Advisory and Safety Measures

Lowe is collaborating with TV stations to create advisories aimed at reducing stingray injuries and protecting the rays. Many beaches use apps to alert visitors of sting reports. Additionally, a company has introduced barb-resistant surf booties, yet swimmers are still urged to tread carefully.

Injuries from stingrays require immediate hot water treatment. Most stings heal without further medical intervention, but prolonged redness or swelling may indicate complications like infections or a retained barb, warned Dr. Christanne Coffey from UC San Diego Health.

Beachgoer Allen Lowry, stung while with his grandson, sought help from lifeguards and endured a hot water soak. Despite the pain, he continues to swim regularly, stating others in his swim group have experienced similar events multiple times.

Once the pain subsides, you feel fine the next day, he remarked.