The Dangerous Reason To Avoid Swimming At California's Iconic 'Surf City USA' Beach

With a nickname like "Surf City USA," it's no surprise that Huntington Beach, California, boasts a vibrant ocean-loving culture. While more popular than some underrated California beaches, Huntington Beach still promotes a worthwhile beach experience for visitors. Because of its laid-back atmosphere, this 8.5 mile beach has become a must-visit for surfers in Southern California. The beach has been mentioned by the Beach Boys in "Surfin' Safari" and earned its nickname from "Surf City" by the rock duo Jan and Dean. While Huntington Beach prides itself on its swelling waves, chill vibes, and general safety, both locals and tourists alike should be aware of a recurrent hazard that clings to the ocean floor.

Stingrays are a consistent concern for swimmers, surfers, and lifeguards. In 2019, CNN reported on the staggering 176 injuries recorded in a single day at Huntington Beach. These injuries are reportedly worse than bee stings and can intensify if not treated as soon as possible. In rare cases, a stingray can even cause death. These flat-bodied swimmers tend to stay close to shore and are most active in warm temperatures and calm waters. They can be hard to spot due to their tendency to camouflage, which leads to the high number of stings recorded at Huntington Beach. Luckily, stingrays are not aggressive and do not actively seek to harm swimmers. Stings are relatively preventable if visitors take proper precautions before hitting the waves.

Before you embark on your day at Huntington Beach, you can check stingray activity by referring to the website Safe Beach Day, which is designed to notify beachgoers of possible stingray risks. Areas with high hazards are indicated in red or black on a map, so you know which parts of the beach to avoid while picking a spot to set up for the day.

Even if no stings have been reported, it's still possible for stingrays to be present in the water. This is why professionals recommend entering the water by practicing a strange but effective method to avoid stingrays at the beach. The "stingray shuffle" includes sliding your feet along the sand instead of lifting your feet and walking, which could make you accidentally step on a stingray. By shuffling along the sea floor, you will scare the stingrays away, protecting both your feet and the well-meaning stingrays from harm.

If you are stung on Huntington Beach, do not panic. Stings from rays are rarely fatal. Locate the nearest lifeguard tower, and you will need to soak the injury in hot water to break up the venom in the sting. If you have an allergic reaction or the sting is particularly bad, you may need to go to the hospital. No matter how you take care of the wound, ensure you seek treatment as soon as possible to prevent the pain from intensifying.