Sea Lion Attack at Alamitos Beach Lifeguard Test

Fifteen-year-old Phoebe Beltran was attacked by a sea lion during a junior lifeguard cadet swim test near Alamitos Beach in Long Beach, California, resulting in non-serious injuries to her arm. The incident involved a sea lion that reportedly displayed unusual aggression, potentially due to neurotoxin exposure from algae blooms. These blooms, linked to environmental changes and pollution, produce domoic acid, which can affect marine life behavior. Despite the shock and injury, Beltran remains determined to continue her lifeguard training. The attack has prompted concerns among local authorities, with experts citing climate change and ocean acidification as aggravating factors for such algae blooms. The tryouts were postponed, and local marine safety personnel are on high alert following the incident.