Teenage girl bitten by sea lion during junior lifeguard tryouts in Long Beach

A teenage girl and junior lifeguard candidate was attacked and bitten in the arm by an aggressive sea lion during a tryout in Long Beach on Sunday, March 30.

The attack occurred around noon in the area of Ocean Boulevard and Cherry Avenue, in front of the Long Beach Lifeguard Headquarters on 2100 East Ocean Boulevard, said Long Beach Fire Capt. Jack Crabtree. About 12 candidates trying out for the cadet program between the ages of 15 and 17 were out swimming when a sea lion was spotted about 25 yards from shore.

“The lifeguard spotted a sea lion and saw it attack and bite one of the swimmer’s arms,” said Crabtree.

The female candidate was immediately brought to shore and transported by the Long Beach Fire Department. The extent of the girl’s injuries was not released, but Crabtree said she did not require “paramedic-level care.” Lifeguards on boards and water vessels, who were strategically placed in the area during the open water swimming, helped bring the rest of the swimmers out of the water.

Shortly after the attack, the sea lion reportedly went out to sea and left on its own.

“It’s uncommon,” said Crabtree. “There was no evidence that the sea lion was sick, just aggressive.”

The rest of the tryouts were canceled Sunday and postponed for an undetermined date.