Are stingrays common in San Diego?

SAN DIEGO COUNTY, Calif. — In La Jolla and other beaches in San Diego, as well as all over Southern California, stingray stings are a common sight.

How common are stingray attacks?

Stingrays pose a threat to fishermen and beachgoers. Every year, about 1,500-2,000 stingray injuries are reported in the US. Contrary to its reputation, the stingray is a shy and even gentle creature that would rather swim away than strike.

Is there a stingray season in San Diego?

Summertime is prime time for stingrays to come out but shuffling and any vibration should scare them away. Waves are small, the water is warming up and the weather is going to be hot this weekend. That means a lot of people will be heading to the beach, so it’s time to do the “stingray shuffle.”

What time of day do stingrays come to shore?

Stingrays travel in schools and like to come up to shore between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., which is also when most people come to the beach, said Fort De Soto Park supervisor Jim Wilson. But the rays aren’t out to get you — their barbed tails are just a defense mechanism.

Is it safe to swim near stingrays?

It is clearly dangerous to swim directly over a stingray (this is how Steve Irwin was fatally injured). In general, if you aren’t on a tour, it is advisable to avoid stingrays, and you should certainly leave them alone while diving or snorkeling.

Should you pee on a stingray sting?

Does peeing on the sting help? Quite simply, no. There is no truth to the myth that peeing on a jellyfish sting can make it feel better. Numerous studies have found that this simply doesn’t work.

How close do stingrays come to shore?

Common throughout the Mid-Atlantic, Southeast U.S., Caribbean, and Gulf of Mexico, stingrays often swim within a few yards of shore, where they prey on tiny fish and shellfish. They are known to lie on the bottom and cover themselves with sand, which is how most people get stung.

Do stingrays come close to shore?

Stingrays can often be found very close to the beach. They’ll swim and even bury themselves in the sand under the water within 3 to 10 yards off the beach.