Avoid a Painful Wound With the 'Stingray Shuffle'

If you plan on hitting the water this weekend, Newport Beach lifeguards want you to do the "stingray shuffle."

Over the last week, lifeguards have treated 10 to 15 wounds inflicted by stingrays each day, according a Newport Beach Fire Department release. To avoid a painful sting, lifeguards suggest people shuffle their feet as they enter the ocean, especially when the water is calm. The motion scares off the shy stingrays, according to the release.

Stingrays often feed on the ocean bottom in calm, shallow areas. When startled, a stingray can strike a person with a venomous barb on its tail. The wound can result in pain and bleeding.

Treatment for a stingray wound is to soak the injured body part, most often a place below the ankle, in warm water for an hour to 90 minutes, according to the release. The wound can become more serious if bacteria enters it.