Shark Attack at Del Mar: The Second In As Many Weeks For SoCal

On the morning of June 2, 2024, a 46-year-old man was bitten by a shark at approximately 9 a.m., about 100 yards offshore from the Beach Safety Center at 17th Street in Del Mar. The victim was part of a group of around a dozen ocean swimmers who regularly train in the area.

According to reports, lifeguards noticed a swimmer assisting another swimmer and responded, initially unaware that a shark bite had occurred. Once back on shore, the victim had visible bite marks on his torso, left arm, and hand. He was transported by ambulance to Scripps Memorial Hospital in La Jolla. 

According to city officials, his injuries are not considered life-threatening.

Del Mar Lifeguard Chief Jon Edelbrock stated, “My understanding is that the patient is stable; he was in the OR last I heard, so we’re very happy and feel fortunate that he’s doing well.”

Following the incident, lifeguards posted signs around 17th Street reading “SHARK INCIDENT, DO NOT ENTER,” dated June 2, 2024. In accordance with protocols from the California Marine Safety Chiefs Association and the Shark Lab at California State University Long Beach, lifeguards closed Del Mar beaches for swimming and surfing one mile in both directions from the incident, roughly from 6th Street to North Beach. Neighboring jurisdictions were also notified.

Chief Edelbrock stated that the beach closure would remain in effect until 9 a.m. on Tuesday, June 4.It is the second human-shark interaction in Southern California that made headlines this week. Over the Memorial Day weekend, a young surfer was bumped by a shark at T Street in San Clemente, prompting beach closures.