Lifeguards Warn Southland Beachgoers About Stingrays

VENICE BEACH (CBSLA.com) — Lifeguards are warning Southland beachgoers about the dangers of stingrays.

Los Angeles County lifeguard Capt. Danny Douglas said about a half a dozen people have been stung by stingrays over the last week.

"Yesterday, we had three cases in Venice Beach," he said.

CBS2's Greg Mills reports that stingrays are found in shallow water and they strike when they're scared or stepped on.

Douglas said he has been stung twice in his two decades on the job.

"It is the most excruciating pain…it's horrible," he said. "Hot water takes care of the pain, and then we want to watch for infection and see if any of that spine is left in the victim."

In those cases, lifeguards recommend the victim go to the hospital to be checked out.

Many believe it's an unusual time of year to hear about stingray strikes.

Lifeguards said it's because more people are going to the beach due to the unseasonably warm weather.