Passing strangers ask if this sting ray victim, left with bag, had listened to the news about sting rays. The Bakersfield resident had not. Woman on right was not stung, but had cold feet so she soak them in hot water at Huntington Beach on Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2017. The influx of sting rays could be attributed to extreme low tides along with an increased number of them born out of the nearby Bolsa Chica tidal inlet scouring the shoreline for food. Experts say the La Nina pattern helps to cause the sting ray storm. (Photo by Cindy Yamanaka, Orange County Register/SCNG)
By LAYLAN CONNELLY | [email protected] | Orange County Register
It was a perfect way to put an unofficial end to the summer season, with warm weather and water drawing beachgoers to the coast over the holiday weekend – but more than 500 had to hobble home in pain.
Stingrays were out in full force over the three-day holiday, with lifeguards busy tending to big beach crowds who were splashing in the shallows to cool off – right where rays like to hang out. Lurking below the water’s surface, the ocean dwellers delivered painful puncture wounds to those who came too close.
The largest tally of injury reports came from Bolsa Chica State Beach, with 124 on Saturday, 64 on Sunday and another 42 on Monday. Nearby Huntington State Beach had about 20 a day, said State Parks Lifeguard Chief Jeff David.