A 15-year-old girl from Long Beach, Phoebe Beltran, is recovering after a frightening encounter with a sea lion on Sunday. The incident occurred in front of a lifeguard tower at 2100 Ocean Boulevard while Phoebe was at the beach to complete her swim test for the cadet lifeguard program in Long Beach.
Phoebe recounted to KTLA that she felt something biting her arm and initially feared it was a shark. It turned out to be an aggressive sea lion, which can grow up to six feet long and weigh as much as 700 pounds. Her mother, Bibi Beltran, also feared the worst when she saw what appeared to be a fin in the water.
The sea lion left Phoebe with several bites and scratches on her arm and hand. Fortunately, she did not suffer any serious injuries. Lifeguards quickly responded, bringing her back to shore and taking her to the emergency room. Despite the ordeal, Phoebe remains optimistic about returning to the water and pursuing her goal of joining the lifeguard cadets once she has fully recovered. “I love the beach. I love the ocean. I love swimming,” she said.
Marine experts in Southern California have noted that sea lions are becoming more aggressive due to poisoning from toxic algae blooms. They advise that anyone encountering a sea lion should slowly back away, avoid eye contact, and not act menacing. If a sick or stranded marine mammal is found, people should alert the nearest lifeguard and call 1-800-39-WHALE to report it.
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