#california-coast

#california-coast

They turned to wearable shark deterrents, including magnetic ankle bands designed to overwhelm a shark's electroreceptors - the sensitive "sixth sense" pores the predators use to detect the faint electrical heartbeats of nearby prey. Other products on the market rely on electrical currents, while some use scent. Erica Fox, a seasoned triathlete and Kelp Krawlers member, was wearing one such device Dec. 21, 2025, when she was found dead. Her body was discovered along the Davenport shoreline in Santa Cruz County, about 25 miles from where she was last seen. Fox's death - now under investigation and suspected to have involved a shark - has sparked scrutiny among swim club members about whether the devices meaningfully reduce risk. A Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office spokesperson said the agency could not confirm whether an autopsy had been performed or whether Fox had suffered a shark bite. Witnesses reported seeing a shark breach just offshore at Lovers Point that morning, where Fox was leading a group of about a dozen swimmers. Many of them had purchased Sharkbanz-branded products after a 2022 attack injured fellow Kelp Krawlers member Steve Bruemmer, who survived but suffered serious injuries.

Content oversight and quality assurance provided by Bay Area News Group. Bay Area News Group advertising leadership oversees sponsored, native, and paid content on this platform, ensuring its quality, relevance, and helpfulness for our audience. Articles attributed to this byline are authored by paying advertisers. The editorial team did not contribute to these pieces, and the opinions expressed do not necessarily represent those of the editorial staff.

Catherine Breed completed a 60-mile swim around Lake Tahoe, achieving a new milestone for long-distance swimming in the lake and showcasing personal adventure.

Catherine Breed, a former Team USA swimmer, is preparing to swim the entire 900-mile California coast in an effort to raise awareness for Sea Dreamers.