On December 21, 2025, a swimmer tragically lost her life after a great white shark attack off Lovers Cove in Pacific Grove, California.

This was not just another headline to us. It was a devastating reminder of why Beach Buddy exists in the first place.

When we heard the news, we did what we always do—we checked the area in the Beach Buddy app. At that time, there was already an active shark warning for the region, triggered by conditions indicating possible shark activity within a wide radius.

Warnings like this are not meant to cause fear. They exist to give people information—real-time awareness—so they can make safer decisions before entering the ocean.

We want to be absolutely clear:  This is not about blame. The ocean is unpredictable, and no one ever expects something like this to happen. Our hearts go out to the victim’s family, friends, and everyone affected by this unimaginable loss. But it is exactly these moments that reinforce why tools like Beach Buddy are so important.

Beach Buddy was built with one purpose: to help save lives.

The app is free to use and provides location-based marine hazard alerts, including shark activity, rip current risks, and other dangerous conditions that can change quickly. A quick check before swimming, surfing, or diving can provide critical information that may influence whether someone enters the water—or chooses to wait for safer conditions.

If even one person pauses, checks the app, and decides to stay out of the water because of a warning, then Beach Buddy has done its job. We cannot change what happened on December 21. But we can learn from it. We can talk about it. And we can encourage each other to use the tools available to us. If you live near the coast, visit the beach regularly, or travel to ocean destinations, please take a moment before entering the water:

 

    • Check local conditions

    • Pay attention to warnings

    • Use Beach Buddy

Share the app with friends and family. Talk about ocean safety. Awareness saves lives. Beach Buddy will always remain focused on what matters most—keeping people informed, aware, and safe.

Our thoughts remain with the victim and her loved ones. And our commitment to preventing future tragedies is stronger than ever.