Two swimmers were recently attacked by a sea lion at Mission Beach, where sea lion encounters are much less common than La Jolla Cove. The swimmers were close to shore when a sea lion suddenly became aggressive and bit them. Lifeguards responded quickly and the swimmers were treated for non-life-threatening injuries. Although sea lions are often seen in La Jolla, this attack at Mission Beach has raised concerns about safety and interactions with wildlife.
Luke Lansky, a 12th-grade lifeguard, explained that while sea lions aren’t usually in the area, people should still be cautious. “When we enter the ocean, we’re stepping into their environment, so we must be careful,” he said.
A possible solution for these types of issues is more signs around Mission Beach, which might remind people to stay aware of the potential dangers of interacting with sea life, as attacks like this aren’t expected in that location. Meanwhile, Natalie Healey, also a senior, questioned the cause of the attack, but emphasized the importance of respecting wildlife. “It’s natural for animals to protect themselves, so I don’t think it’s the sea lion’s fault,” she said.
All three students agreed that while the ocean is there for everyone to enjoy, it’s important to be mindful of sea lions and other marine animals. Keeping a safe distance and giving them space could help prevent incidents like this from happening again.