A man was reportedly bitten multiple times by a sea lion while swimming off San Diego's Mission Beach on Friday evening, prompting a swift response from local authorities.
The unusual incident occurred at approximately 6:45pm, just south of the main lifeguard station on Ocean Front Walk in Mission Beach. The victim, a frequent swimmer in his 50s, was about 50 yards offshore when the sea lion attacked him without warning.
According to lifeguards, the animal bit him aggressively several times in various areas of his body, including the legs and hands. A nearby boogie boarder witnessed the attack and immediately signaled for help, alerting lifeguards on duty.
Responding quickly, lifeguards pulled the injured swimmer from the water and provided immediate first aid before calling paramedics. The victim was rushed to a nearby hospital for further treatment. Despite the multiple bite wounds, his injuries were described as non-life-threatening.
Sea lions are a familiar sight in San Diego's coastal waters, but officials emphasized that attacks on humans are rare. Lifeguard Lieutenant Rick Strobel noted the unusual severity of this particular incident, stating that such attacks with serious injuries are highly uncommon. Lifeguards continue to remind beachgoers of the risks involved when entering the ocean, particularly as it is the natural habitat of various marine animals.
Responding quickly, lifeguards pulled the injured swimmer from the water and provided immediate first aid before calling paramedics. The victim was rushed to a nearby hospital for further treatment. Despite the multiple bite wounds, his injuries were described as non-life-threatening.
Sea lions are a familiar sight in San Diego's coastal waters, but officials emphasized that attacks on humans are rare. Lifeguard Lieutenant Rick Strobel noted the unusual severity of this particular incident, stating that such attacks with serious injuries are highly uncommon. Lifeguards continue to remind beachgoers of the risks involved when entering the ocean, particularly as it is the natural habitat of various marine animals.
