SAN DIEGO (KGTV) - San Diego officials are warning Thanksgiving beachgoers to do the "stingray shuffle" this holiday weekend.
Officials reported 45 people across the county were stung by stingrays Wednesday as locals and visitors prepare to flood San Diego beaches this week. The numbers tallied as follows:
- 6 people stung in La Jolla,
- 12 people stung in Ocean Beach,
- 5 people stung in Mission Beach, and
- 22 people stung in Pacific Beach
With temperatures set to soar this Thanksgiving weekend, beaches are sure to be packed.
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The flat-bodied fish are usually shy and will hide in the sand along the coast. Their venomous, barbed tail, however, packs a wallop to humans.
Most stings happen when people accidentally step on them and the pain can last for hours.
Beachgoers are reminded they can avoid being stung by shuffling their feet when they walk in the water to alert rays of their presence. If stung, it's recommended to seek attention from a nearby lifeguard. Be sure to soak the affected area in hot water and clean the wound as well.
