As New Yorkers gear up for the July 4 holiday, state officials are reinforcing safety measures along Long Island’s beaches after a Sullivan County woman was bitten by a shark last week.
Shark Incident Prompts Immediate Action
According to News 12 Hudson Valley, a 20-year-old woman from Sullivan County sustained minor injuries after being bitten on the left leg and foot while swimming at Jones Beach State Park on Wednesday, June 25. Officials believe the incident was likely caused by a juvenile sand tiger shark.
The woman was transported to Nassau County University Medical Center for treatment. Authorities, citing the location and nature of the bite, suspect the shark was drawn close to shore by nearby fish activity.
Following the incident, swimming was suspended for several hours while New York State Parks Police and lifeguards conducted aerial and on-the-water surveillance to ensure the area was safe before reopening it to the public, News 12 reported.
Expanded Shark and Rip Current Monitoring
In response, Governor Kathy Hochul announced enhanced surveillance measures at Long Island State Park beaches. These include:
- An increase to 28 patrol drones across beach locations;
- 8 newly trained drone operators, for a total of 48 among staff;
- A specialized night-capable enterprise drone with thermal imaging and flotation drop capability assigned to State Park Police.
“New Yorkers and visitors cherish our state park beaches,” Governor Hochul said in a statement. “We are continuing to strengthen our shark surveillance capabilities and safety tactics at these beaches to help protect these treasured summertime traditions.”
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, in collaboration with the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), leads the initiative.
Rip Current Awareness Gets Tech Boost
To complement the shark safety effort, state parks have also introduced bilingual virtual reality headsets for public outreach at beaches through September 6, 2025, aimed at educating visitors on the dangers of rip currents. The VR experience, developed by Hofstra University and funded by New York Sea Grant, simulates real-world hazards to help beachgoers respond more effectively.
“Shark Smart” Tips for Swimmers
Beach visitors are advised to follow these shark safety recommendations from the DEC and State Parks:
- Avoid areas with splashing fish or diving seabirds;
- Refrain from swimming at dawn, dusk, or in murky water;
- Stay in groups and close to shore;
- Always follow the directions of lifeguards and park staff.
Amanda Lefton, DEC Commissioner, reminded the public: “Our coastal areas are part of a wild marine ecosystem. Awareness and proper guidance can help prevent incidents and keep the fun going.”