Warmer Waters Are Bringing a Record Number of Stingray Stings to SoCal

An increase in stingray injuries in California is being blamed on a marine heat wave. Why is this happening, and how is El Niño playing a part? Read on for all of the details.

Marine Heat Wave Sending Stingrays Farther North

The rapid strengthening of El Niño is sending ocean water temperatures soaring in the Pacific. The warmer water is attracting more stingrays to the beaches of Southern California, resulting in a surge of reported injuries to swimmers.

These stingrays typically congregate farther to the south, making their home near Baja California. However, the warmer waters in this part of the Pacific have sent the stingrays farther north looking for cooler conditions.

Complicating the problem is that people are also spending more time at the beach in an attempt to escape the heat on land. The combination of the increase in beachgoers and the migration of the stingrays to the popular beaches of California naturally translates to a higher risk of injuries.

Local officials are reporting that swimmers are being stung in record numbers due to the influx of the rays. Dr. Chris Lowe of the Shark Lab at California State University, Long Beach, said that “Southern California lifeguards treat 10,000 people for stingray injuries a year. This year’s probably going to be a bumper crop, so we’re expecting even higher numbers.”

Seal Beach a Hotbed of Stingray Activity

The problem has been particularly prevalent at Seal Beach. Nicknamed "Ray Beach" because of the amount of stingrays that it attracts, the problem has been even more pronounced this year. The warm, shallow water along this stretch of coastline has always been a haven for rays looking for warmth. The stingrays often swim right up to the shore where people are walking, meaning you don't have to be deep in the water to become a victim.

One surfer noted that the stingrays are a familiar sight, saying “I’ve been hit quite a few times -- at least eight times in the last five years."

Stingrays are most likely to sting when they have been stepped on or have been startled. The creatures use the venomous barbs located on their long tail to defend themselves. To a human who has been stung, the sting feels like an electrical shockwave through the body.

Unfortunately, the record El Niño phase is forecast to keep ocean waters off the coast of Southern California warmer than average in the coming months. This means that the stingrays are likely to keep drifting to this region.

You can reduce your risk of being stung by a ray by shuffling your feet on the sand instead of lifting them and walking. This shuffling movement alerts stingrays to your presence so that they can swim away.

Weather changes fast, so help your community stay prepared. Share this story with friends, family, or your group chat, and keep your forecast in the now with Weather Forecast Now.