CLEARWATER BEACH, Fla. — During Labor Day weekend, lifeguards are warning everyone to look twice before stepping in the ocean.

Over 30 reports people getting stung by stingrays

Officials say this is mating season for the rays

Avoid stings by shuffling your feet as you get into the water

On Saturday, there were over 30 reports of beachgoers getting stung by stingrays on Clearwater beach.

“They are not an aggressive species,” said Jason Beisel, City of Clearwater Spokesman. “They are not there to attack humans or to come after you, they just protect themselves.”

Officials say this is mating season for the rays and are often found buried in the sand close to shore.

One technique to avoid getting stung, is by shuffling your feet as you get into the water.

“They can't see very well, so they rely on vibrations and when they hear that vibration, it clears them out of the way,” Biesel said.

Most stings are not life threatening, and often lead to swelling.

Beisel says if you are stung, any nearby lifeguard is trained to aid these stings.

Mating season for stingrays will end in October.