Hello everyone! Grab your beach towels and gather around because we’ve got some serious news from Del Mar, California. This beautiful beach town, located just north of San Diego, has had to close its shores to swimming and surfing after a shark attack on Sunday morning. Let’s dive into the details.
A 46-year-old man was bitten by a shark around 9 a.m. on his torso, left arm, and hand. According to Del Mar authorities, the attack happened about 100 yards offshore from the Beach Safety Center at 17th Street.
The man was part of a group of about a dozen ocean swimmers who meet regularly to train in Del Mar. He was quickly taken to a hospital in La Jolla with significant injuries, but fortunately, they are not believed to be life-threatening.
Del Mar Lifeguard Chief Jon Edelbrock provided an update, saying, “My understanding is that the patient is stable, he was in the OR last I heard, so we’re very happy and feel fortunate that he’s doing well,” in an interview with FOX 5 San Diego.
In response to the attack, lifeguards have followed protocols set by the California Marine Safety Chiefs Association and the Shark Lab at California State University Long Beach.
This means they’ve posted signs and closed Del Mar beaches for swimming and surfing for one mile in both directions from the incident, roughly from 6th Street to North Beach. Neighboring jurisdictions have also been notified. The water closure is expected to be lifted at 9 a.m. on Tuesday.
But this isn’t the only shark-related drama in the area. Just last week, up the coast towards Los Angeles in Orange County, San Clemente had to close its ocean access due to a shark sighting and a close encounter involving a surfer.
Evan Garcia, who had the frightening experience, told FOX 11, “When that thing hit me from below, I knew right away that it was a shark. There’s people out there who have been injured by sharks. And I’m so lucky that it only got my board.”
These incidents are a stark reminder of the potential dangers in the ocean. As much as we love the waves and the beach, it’s crucial to stay vigilant and follow safety protocols. The lifeguards and safety officials are doing their best to keep everyone safe, but it’s always a good idea to be aware of your surroundings and take any warnings seriously.
So folks, while we wait for the beaches to reopen, let’s remember to stay safe, stay informed, and respect the ocean. It’s a beautiful place, but it’s also home to some powerful and sometimes dangerous wildlife.
