This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Nearly 60 People Have Been Stung By Stingrays In San Diego Since Thursday
If you were planning on hitting the beach in San Diego this weekend, don't go near the water: local stingrays are on a stinging spree, zapping a reported 58 people on Thursday and Friday.
According to the San Diego Union Tribune, the water in Coronado are warm and calm, creating ideal conditions for stingrays to come out in full force. Lifeguards said that 35 people were were stung by rays on Thursday, the first reported incident occurring around 9 a.m. As of early Friday afternoon, 23 more people had been stung.
Coronado lifeguard captain Sean Carey told the Union Tribune that this was "above average," and that the rays were likely to stick around through the weekend, weather permitting.
It seems like this is the time of year when this kind of thing happens. Last August, hundreds of stingrays were spotted in Marina del Rey (Ray?).
The Coronado Times recommends that people who want to swim or wade in the waters should shuffle their feet (that would be the "stingray shuffle"), or stay on top of surf or boogie boards.
Stingrays are known for being "shy," and typically hide under the sand. But if they're disturbed, look out. According to a post on the City of Coronado Facebook page, the venom in the barbed stingers is poisonous, which causes immediate pain but is easily treatable by cleaning the wound and flushing it with hot water. Anyone who is stung should visit a lifeguard for treatment.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
