The teenage junior lifeguard cadet was in the middle of a swim test when the sea lion attacked. Photo: KTLA 5//Screenshot
On March 30, a sea lion attacked a teenager in the ocean off of Long Beach, California. The victim, 15-year-old Phoebe Beltran, was reportedly in the middle of a swimming test for the Long Beach Lifeguard cadet program when the sea lion attacked.
“Out of nowhere, I felt something biting and grabbing my arm over and over again,” Beltran said to KTLA 5. “I see, just like, the shadow of it. I had no idea what it was. All I was thinking was, ‘please don’t be a shark. Please don’t take off my arm. And please don’t kill me.’”
Although there hasn’t been any definitive link made to the attack, Southern California is currently experiencing a bloom of toxic algae that carries domoic acid, a potent marine neurotoxin that can cause lethargy, disorientation, unresponsiveness, head bobbing/weaving, foaming at the mouth, vomiting, bulging eyes, involuntary muscle spasms, inability to move, seizures, and in severe cases, death.
The junior lifeguard cadet’s injuries weren’t life-threatening, but they certainly were painful. Photo: Photo: KTLA 5//Screenshot
Sea lions are particularly affected by it, as they eat many of the filter feeders that feed on the algae. While the filter feeders aren’t affected, the domoic acid builds up in their bodies and is transferred to the sea lions.
“I love the beach,” the teen continued. “I love the ocean. I love swimming. So, when I went in, I was like, ‘okay, easy swim out, easy swim back.’ It wasn’t that easy. I didn’t think something like this could ever happen.”
Thankfully Beltran wasn’t severely injured, and she is expected to make a full recovery.
