Stingray Incidents Rise at Southern California Beaches Amid Warmer Waters

Huntington Beach, California, has seen an unexpected increase in stingray incidents as warmer ocean temperatures attract more of these creatures to the shores. Jake Hemann, a visitor from New Mexico, recently experienced the painful sting while learning to surf. “It hurt pretty bad,” he said, as he soaked his throbbing foot in hot water to ease the pain, feeling the discomfort radiate up to his ankle.

Bryan R. Etnyre, state park superintendent in northern Orange County, confirmed the rise in incidents, with more than 3,100 cases reported at Bolsa Chica State Beach and Huntington State Beaches this year. This figure is double from 2025. Huntington Beach alone recorded over 2,000 occurrences in its 3.5-mile stretch, while more than 900 incidents were documented in San Diego’s beaches during the first half of 2026.

The primary cause of this increase is the consistently warm ocean temperatures staying in the 60s. Professor Chris Lowe from California State University, Long Beach, explained this trend. He noted that stingrays, particularly round stingrays, thrive in warmer waters. The decline in populations of predators like sharks, sea lions, and giant sea bass has allowed ray numbers to rise.

This year, a persistent marine heat wave, marking one of the largest on record on the West Coast, has contributed to this increase. The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration confirmed that this has occurred amidst the formation of a strong El Niño, further warming parts of the Pacific Ocean.

People visiting beaches for recreation, seeking the warm water, are more likely to encounter stingrays. The creatures flick their tails when stepped on, causing painful stings with their venomous barbs. Lifeguards advise beachgoers to shuffle their feet to avoid stepping directly on rays.

Research conducted by Lowe and his team involved a 75-foot net sweep, collecting around 200 stingrays on a section of the beach, showing their abundance. Lowe commented on their density, stating that they can cover the seabed.

To address the issue, Lowe is collaborating with media outlets to develop a stingray advisory. Many beaches use an app to notify patrons of multiple sting incidents. Additionally, a company has created surf booties claiming to resist barbs.

Dr. Christanne Coffey from the University of California, San Diego Health, mentioned that most stings heal without medical intervention. However, persistent redness or swelling might indicate complications like infection or a retained barb, which requires an X-ray.

Allen Lowry, a regular swimmer, shared his experience of being stung. Despite the pain, he remains undeterred in his swimming routine, noting that the pain usually subsides quickly.