A 15-year-old girl was attacked during her swim test in Long Beach by a sea lion sickened by a recent toxic algae bloom, according to the girl's family.

The attack occurred in the area of Ocean Boulevard and Cherry Avenue, in front of the Long Beach Lifeguard Headquarters on 2100 East Ocean Boulevard.

A 15-year-old Long Beach girl is recovering from a sea lion attack that happened while she was swimming over the weekend at Alamitos Beach.

The early bloom of toxic algae off the coast of California is causing mass poisonings of sea lions, with animal rescue organizations receiving up to 100 reports a day. "We are having to do triage on the beach as we try to identify those animals where we have the greatest chance of making a difference,

Phoebe Beltran was due to take a swim test for Long Beach’s cadet lifeguard programme when the attack happened in front of a lifeguard tower

Sea lions in California waters have been reportedly more aggressive as of late. Recently, a teenager was attacked by one while taking a test to become a lifeguard. KTLA-TV reports how 15-year-old Phoebe Beltran of Long Beach had been swimming near a lifeguard tower when one of the sea creatures suddenly bit her.

In recent weeks, hundreds of sea lions, dolphins and other animals have turned up in the sand dead or seriously ill, alarming rescuers and beachgoers alike.

15-year-old Phoebe Beltran has several cuts on her right arm and was hospitalized following the confrontation with the animal on Sunday. Although she has since been released from the hospital and was well enough to return to school, she said the attack has left her shaken up.