According to San Diego Lifeguards, they’ve been getting a lot of calls about stingray injuries at all San Diego beaches.

SAN DIEGO — Rising temperatures are drawing crowds to San Diego’s beaches, prompting lifeguards to issue an urgent reminder about stingray safety.

The region’s lifeguards have fielded an increasing number of stingray-related calls as beach-goers flock to the coast to escape the heat. 

“More people mean more incidents overall, but the surf’s pretty calm and small right now, so they come in a little closer,” said Lt. Rick Romero.

He recommends hanging out in areas with large crowds because larger crowds typically scare away stingrays. 

Shallow, sandy water near the shoreline poses the highest risk for stingray encounters, as these areas attract the most swimmers and waders. Lifeguards urge visitors to remain vigilant in these popular zones.

The stingray shuffle offers simple and effective protection. By shuffling your feet through the sand rather than stepping normally, beach-goers can scare away stingrays before they pose a threat.

Swimmers who sustain stingray injuries should seek immediate assistance from the nearest lifeguard tower. Lifeguards typically have buckets of hot water available to treat stung feet. The heat breaks down the protein-based venom, providing pain relief. You may also need to seek out medical treatment to avoid an infection.

Stingray injuries remain common during the summer months along Southern California’s coast. Beach-goers who follow proper safety precautions can significantly reduce their risk of injury while enjoying the water.