Increase in Stingray Encounters at Southern California Beaches

At Bolsa Chica State Beach and other Southern California shores, the number of stingray encounters has surged. Jake Hemann, a tourist from New Mexico, experienced this firsthand while surfing. After stepping off his board, he landed on what he thought was a sharp stick, but it was a stingray. He joined others at the lifeguard station to soak his foot in hot water, a known remedy for stingray stings.

This incident is not isolated. Over 3,100 stingray encounters have been reported at Bolsa Chica and Huntington State Beaches this year, doubling the numbers from 2025. The city of Huntington Beach alone recorded over 2,000 incidents. Meanwhile, San Diego beaches noted more than 900 stings in the first half of 2026, marking a record high in recent years.

Chris Lowe, a marine biology professor at California State University, Long Beach, attributes this increase to warming ocean temperatures. Waters consistently staying in the 60s have drawn stingrays closer to shore. The absence of predators like sharks and sea lions, due to dwindling populations, has allowed stingray numbers to rise. This trend is amplified by climate change and a persistent marine heat wave along the West Coast.

Round stingrays, typically found from Panama to Southern California, gravitate towards lagoons and warm waters, especially during El Niño periods. The formation of El Niño, confirmed in June, is expected to grow significantly, bringing more rays to Southern California’s shores. As the water warms, beachgoer numbers increase, raising the likelihood of encounters.

Stingray stings occur when these creatures are inadvertently stepped on. Lifeguards advise shuffling feet when entering the water to prevent stings. Southern California lifeguards manage up to 10,000 stingray injuries annually.

Seal Beach, nicknamed “ray bay” due to nearby power plant warming, hasn’t experienced significant changes in stingray incidents. Researchers gathered around 200 stingrays, demonstrating their vast numbers along certain shores. During strong El Niño events, rays move up from the south, potentially setting record counts this year.

Efforts are underway to mitigate stingray-related injuries. Chris Lowe collaborates with media to create advisories aimed at reducing human and ray injuries. An app alerts beachgoers of multiple sting incidents, while a company has designed barb-resistant surf booties for added protection. Despite these efforts, swimmers are encouraged to tread lightly.

Stingray injuries, while painful, often don’t require medical intervention. If pain persists beyond a few days, infections or retained barbs could be the cause, potentially visible on X-rays.

Allen Lowry, stung while with his grandson, reiterated the pain yet remains undeterred from swimming. The remedy, hot water soaks, usually alleviates the pain quickly.