Stingrays zap nearly 60 on Coronado

The conditions at the beach in Coronado seemed perfect Thursday and Friday: beautiful weather and warm, calm water. It was also the perfect environment for stingrays, some unlucky waders learned.

Lifeguards said 35 were stung by rays on Thursday and additional 23 as of Friday afternoon. The first incident occurred about 9 a.m. Thursday and a steady stream of stings followed.

“There’s a lot of people wading in shallow water,” Coronado lifeguard Capt. Sean Carey said Thursday. “When it’s calm, we get more stingrays.”

Lifeguard Christian Bond said Friday that most of the stings occurred on the southern stretch of the beach.

Lifeguards in neighboring Imperial Beach, to the south, and San Diego could not be reached for comment to see whether similar problems existed at their beaches.

Carey said the number of stings was above average and may persist throughout the weekend.

Those planning a beach visit can take certain precautions such as shuffling their feet when walking through the water, or staying on top of a surf or boogie board, he said. Those who plan to swim might consider wearing fins.

Although most stingray injuries aren’t serious, severe allergic reactions are possible. Carey said anyone who gets stung should get evaluated by a lifeguard.

“It’s possible, but I’ve never seen a severe allergic reaction and I’ve been doing this for 26 years,” the captain said.

joshua.stewart@sduniontribune.com

lyndsay.winkley@sduniontribune.com

Stewart and Winkley write for the San Diego Union-Tribune.

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