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Woman attacked by sea otter at Lake Tahoe was bruised, bloodied but sure one skill saved her
Los Angeles Times • • nation
Key Points:
- Lynnette Bellin, an infant swimming instructor, was attacked by a violent sea otter while swimming at Hidden Beach in Lake Tahoe-Nevada State Park, sustaining multiple bloody lacerations and requiring 38 stitches.
- During the attack, Bellin tried to escape by swimming to rocks, but the otter continued to strike her until she climbed onto a larger rock and eventually fled the area on foot.
- The Nevada Department of Wildlife investigated but could not locate the otter to determine the cause of its aggressive behavior, noting that otter attacks on people are rare and typically defensive.
- Bellin emphasized the importance of swimming as a critical life skill, stating that her confidence and competence in swimming helped her survive the encounter without panicking.
- Despite the trauma and injuries, Bellin remains committed to teaching swimming, highlighting the unpredictability of water and the need for everyone to be a confident swimmer.
