A 15-year-old trainee lifeguard in Long Beach, California recently faced a terrifying ordeal during a swim test meant to qualify her for lifeguard duty. Phoebe Beltran was just 25 feet from the shore when she suddenly found herself pulled underwater, leading her to believe she had encountered a shark.
“Out of nowhere, I feel something biting my arm,” Phoebe recounted. In an instant, her heart raced with fear as she prayed, “Please, don’t be a shark. Please, don’t take off my arm, and please, don’t kill me.”
As she struggled beneath the waves, the young lifeguard could only catch a glimpse of the creature. “I saw a shadow, but I couldn’t make out what it was,” she shared. When she resurfaced, her panic grew as the animal continued to bite her, urging her to call for help. Thankfully, the creature eventually let go, and she was able to swim back to safety.
Phoebe’s mother, Bibi Beltran, witnessed the whole scene from the shore, equally alarmed. “I saw something come up, like a fin, and somebody yelled, ‘Shark.’ We all rushed to the water and when I realized it was my daughter… that’s when I broke down,” she recalled, reflecting on the chaos of that frightening moment.
Much to their surprise, the true culprit was not a shark, but a sea lion, a marine mammal that can grow up to six feet long and weigh around 700 pounds. These animals are known for their playful behavior, but they very rarely pose a threat to humans.
“Despite the size and strength of sea lions, attacks are extraordinarily uncommon. In my 25 years of service, I’ve never heard of anything like this happening before,” said Gonzalo Medina of the Long Beach Fire Department. While sea lions are typically docile, they can act aggressively if they feel threatened or cornered.
Recent reports suggest that some marine mammals are exhibiting unusual behaviors that may be linked to environmental factors. Experts are concerned that toxic algae blooms could be having an adverse effect on their health, potentially leading to increased aggression. “Certainly, a side effect of the toxins could be aggressive behavior, though it’s difficult to determine how much impact it truly has,” Medina explained.
Fortunately, Phoebe was taken to the hospital and sustained only minor injuries. Given the circumstances, she and her family are incredibly relieved. “It’s just a scary thought. She could’ve been pulled under. I thought the worst,” her mother said, emphasizing the gravity of their experience.
This incident serves as a reminder that while we often think of the ocean as a serene escape, it can also be a place of unpredictability. As more people flock to California’s beautiful beaches, the emphasis on understanding marine wildlife and respecting their habitats becomes even more crucial.
There is an increasing need for awareness regarding the delicate balance between human activity and marine ecosystems. Protecting our oceans not only safeguards wildlife but also ensures that beachgoers can enjoy their time on the coast without fear of unexpected encounters.
As the Beltran family moves on from this frightening event, they are left with a heightened sense of caution and appreciation for the beauty and unpredictability of nature. Their story highlights the importance of being vigilant and informed while enjoying the outdoors, reminding us all that nature deserves respect and care.
