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Stingrays out in 'full force' as people flock to the beach, lifeguards warn

Posted at 11:18 AM, Mar 17, 2019
and last updated 2019-03-17 16:31:59-04

SAN DIEGO (KGTV) -- The weather has recently taken a turn for sunny and warm, making for the perfect day at the beach. But lifeguards are warning people expected to flock to the shores of San Diego about stingrays.

“The stingrays are out in full force,” lifeguards said in a Facebook post.

According to lifeguards, the California round ray feeds in the shallows off the California coast.

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The creatures lay partially buried in the sand while hunting, causing problems for unknowing beachgoers.

“Stingrays have a sheathed barb in their tail that is used when stepped on or when threatened,” the post continued.

The barb is covered in venom and mucus that causes severe pain if it breaks the skin.

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To avoid stepping on a stingray, lifeguards recommend shuffling your feet. If you do get stung, the list below shows what you should do to treat the area:

1. Stop the bleeding.
2. Go to the nearest lifeguard.
3. Soak foot in hot water to deactivate venom.
4. Keep clean to prevent infection.

Watch the video below for more on how to prevent stings: