
LONG ISLAND, NY – As thousands of New Yorkers head to the beach for the Fourth of July holiday, state and local officials have significantly increased patrols and safety efforts along the coastlines of Nassau and Suffolk Counties in response to recent shark activity, including a bite incident at Jones Beach.
On June 25, a 20-year-old woman was bitten on the leg and foot by what is believed to be a juvenile sand tiger shark while swimming at Jones Beach State Park. She was treated for non-life-threatening injuries at Nassau University Medical Center. The incident has prompted swift action from both state and county officials to strengthen monitoring and emergency preparedness at Long Island’s most popular beaches.
Governor Kathy Hochul announced the addition of six new drones to the state’s surveillance fleet, bringing the total number of drones operating over Long Island State Park beaches to 28. Eight new drone operators have also been certified, increasing the total number of trained pilots to 48. These drones provide a real-time aerial view of the water and help lifeguards and law enforcement spot potential threats from above.
Our Long Island State Park beaches are cherished by New Yorkers and visitors alike — perfect places to get offline, get outside and enjoy the outdoors.” Governor Hochul said. “We are continuing to strengthen our shark surveillance capabilities and safety tactics at these beaches to help protect these treasured summertime traditions. I encourage all beachgoers to stay safe, stay alert and always follow the direction of lifeguards and park staff.”
In addition, New York State Park Police have deployed a newly acquired enterprise-grade drone equipped with thermal imaging, high-definition video, laser range-finding, and the capability to deploy personal flotation devices. This advanced technology is intended to enhance both shark detection and swimmer rescue efforts.
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman has also announced the expansion of local patrols, including additional marine units and helicopter flyovers. County officials said beaches will be monitored closely, and swimming will be suspended immediately following any shark sightings. Beaches will only reopen after a minimum one-hour waiting period and confirmation that no further sightings have occurred.
The increased vigilance is being coordinated through the Long Island Coastal Awareness Group, a coalition of more than 200 municipalities, public agencies, and private beach operators that share alerts and work together on regional responses to marine threats.
State officials are also focusing on education and prevention. As part of a summer-long water safety initiative, visitors at New York State Parks can now experience bilingual virtual reality demonstrations that teach how to identify and escape rip currents. The educational program was developed in partnership with Hofstra University and will be offered through Labor Day.
The enhanced surveillance and safety protocols come at a critical time, with beaches expected to see heavy crowds during the Independence Day weekend. Authorities are urging beachgoers to follow all posted advisories, pay attention to lifeguard instructions, and remain cautious in the water.
With the deployment of cutting-edge technology and coordinated interagency efforts, officials say Long Island’s beaches will remain safe and open for holiday visitors, even as shark activity increases during the peak summer months.
Top Q&A Takeaways Readers Might Have After Reading The Article
Q1: Why were shark patrols increased on Long Island?
A: A 20-year-old woman was bitten by a juvenile sand tiger shark on June 25 at Jones Beach State Park. The incident prompted state and county officials to expand surveillance and safety efforts ahead of the busy July 4th holiday.
Q2: What new technology is being used to monitor sharks?
A: New York State has added six drones to its fleet, bringing the total to 28. A new enterprise-grade drone has also been deployed, featuring thermal imaging, high-definition video, laser range-finding, and the ability to drop personal flotation devices.
Q3: How many certified drone operators are monitoring Long Island beaches?
A: There are now 48 certified drone operators patrolling state beaches on Long Island.
Q4: What happens when a shark is spotted near a beach?
A: Swimming is immediately suspended. Beaches remain closed for at least one hour after the last confirmed sighting and only reopen once officials determine the area is safe.
Q5: Who coordinates the beach safety efforts across Long Island?
A: The Long Island Coastal Awareness Group, which includes over 200 municipalities, agencies, and private beach operators, coordinates alerts and safety responses regionally.
Q6: Are Nassau and Suffolk County officials taking additional steps?
A: Yes. Nassau County is using helicopters, marine patrols, and drones for added surveillance. Suffolk County is also boosting monitoring and emergency readiness at beaches like Robert Moses and Smith Point.
Q7: Is anything being done to educate the public about beach safety?
A: Yes. New York State Parks are offering virtual reality demonstrations on rip-current awareness at events through Labor Day. The program was developed with Hofstra University and is available in both English and Spanish.
Q8: Which beaches are covered by these increased patrols?
A: Patrols are active at state parks across Long Island, including Jones Beach, Robert Moses, and other popular oceanfront locations throughout Nassau and Suffolk Counties.
Q9: Is it still safe to swim at Long Island beaches?
A: Yes. Officials emphasize that the new surveillance and safety measures are precautionary and are designed to keep beaches safe. They advise swimmers to follow lifeguard instructions and posted warnings.
Q10: How long will these patrols and precautions remain in place?
A: The heightened safety measures are in effect throughout the summer season, particularly during peak beach weekends like the Fourth of July.