JONES BEACH, NY – A 20-year-old woman was injured in a suspected shark encounter while wading in the ocean at Jones Beach State Park earlier this week. Officials believe the swimmer was most likely bitten by a juvenile sand tiger shark, prompting a temporary shutdown of the beach and renewed safety alerts.
The incident occurred around 4:15 p.m. on Wednesday near the Central Mall beachfront. The woman was in waist-deep water when she sustained injuries to her foot and leg. Lifeguards and park rangers responded immediately and administered first aid. She was then transported to Nassau University Medical Center, where she was treated for minor wounds and later released.
Following the incident, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation experts reviewed photographs of the injury and determined the bite pattern was consistent with that of a juvenile sand tiger shark, a non-aggressive species native to the Atlantic coastline.
Out of caution, swimming at Central Mall beach was suspended for the remainder of the day. Aerial drones, marine patrol units, and lifeguards conducted extended surveillance of the area. No additional shark sightings were reported, and the beach reopened the following morning once officials deemed it safe.
The event comes amid a broader rise in shark activity along the Northeast. In recent weeks, great white sharks have been spotted off the coasts of New Jersey and Rhode Island. Long Island itself saw a notable increase in shark-related incidents in 2022, which led to enhanced monitoring and emergency response protocols now in place at state parks.
Authorities are reminding beachgoers to exercise caution by avoiding murky water, refraining from swimming at dawn or dusk, and steering clear of areas with schools of fish or seals, which can attract predators.
The incident marks Long Island’s first confirmed shark-related injury of the 2025 summer season.
Top Questions About the Jones Beach Shark Bite
- Q: What type of shark was responsible?
A: Authorities concluded the bite was most likely from a juvenile sand tiger shark. - Q: How severe were the injuries?
A: The swimmer sustained minor cuts to her foot and leg and was treated at Nassau University Medical Center in stable condition. - Q: Where did the incident occur?
A: The bite took place at the Central Mall beachfront area of Jones Beach State Park. - Q: When did the bite happen?
A: The incident occurred around 4:15 p.m. on Wednesday. - Q: Was swimming suspended afterward?
A: Yes. Swimming was halted immediately and resumed safely the next morning after patrols confirmed no further shark presence. - Q: What safety protocols are in place now?
A: Drones, marine patrols, and lifeguard supervision are actively monitoring beaches, particularly after dusk and in murky conditions. - Q: Are sharks common at Jones Beach?
A: Shark encounters are rare but increased monitoring was implemented after multiple bites and sightings in recent summers. - Q: How can swimmers stay safe?
A: Avoid swimming at night, murky areas, or near fish schools and seals; and always heed lifeguard warnings. - Q: Has a shark been seen in the area since?
A: No additional shark sightings have been reported since the bite, and routine patrols continue. - Q: Is this incident connected to other regional shark sightings?
A: Yes. Large shark sightings have occurred recently off New Jersey and Block Island, signaling increased Atlantic Coast activity.
