LONG BEACH, CA – A teenage girl is on the mend after a startling encounter with a sea lion during a junior lifeguard tryout in Long Beach over the weekend. The unexpected attack left 15-year-old Phoebe Beltran with numerous injuries, forcing her to seek medical attention.
On what was supposed to be a significant day for Phoebe and her family, the aspiring lifeguard was focused on completing her ocean swim test for the cadet lifeguard program. However, the day took a terrifying turn when an aggressive sea lion emerged from the depths, repeatedly biting her arm. Initially fearing it was a shark, Phoebe was relieved to discover it was not, though the experience was no less traumatic.
Phoebe’s mother, who was waiting on the shore, watched in horror as the commotion unfolded. “I saw something surface, and we all rushed to the shore,” she recounted, describing the panic she felt upon realizing it was her daughter in distress.
Despite the severity of the attack, Phoebe is recovering well, albeit with a swollen and bruised arm. Reflecting on the incident, the teenager expressed her love for the ocean and her determination to return to lifeguard tryouts once she heals. “I didn’t think something like this could ever happen,” she admitted.
While sea lion attacks on humans are rare, this incident follows a recent report of a surfer being attacked by a sea lion in Oxnard. Experts suggest that a toxic algae bloom, affecting sea lions’ behavior, might be to blame for the increased aggression.
Marine specialists advise beachgoers to remain calm and slowly back away if they encounter a sea lion, either in the water or on the sand. They emphasize avoiding direct eye contact and refraining from any threatening actions toward the animal.
As Phoebe recovers, her story serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of nature and the importance of caution when enjoying the ocean.