Ocean Swimmer Bitten by Great White in San Diego

On June 2, 2024, at approximately 9 a.m., a 46-year-old swimmer participating in a group ocean-training session was bitten by a great white shark near Del Mar City Beach in San Diego, California. The incident occurred roughly 100 yards offshore near the 17th Street Beach Safety Center, where approximately a dozen regular swimmers were in the water. The swimmer sustained significant injuries including bites to his torso, left arm, and hand. Fellow swimmers assisted him to shore, where lifeguards and first responders provided immediate care and transported him by ambulance to Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla. He was released from the hospital four days later and continued his recovery at home. In response to the incident, lifeguards implemented a 48-hour ocean closure for swimming and surfing along approximately two miles of beach from 6th Street to North Beach, following established state and Shark Lab protocols. The beaches reopened after the closure period. Species identification was confirmed on July 10, 2024, through DNA analysis of the victim's wetsuit. The shark involved was identified as a great white, estimated at approximately 9 feet in length and classified as a juvenile. Environmental conditions at the time included 3-foot waves and water temperature of 64°F. This unprovoked encounter remains a relatively rare event in the region, though it underscores the importance of awareness when swimming in open ocean environments where large marine predators are present.