Shark sightings prompt Rockaway beach closures 4 days in a row
Briefly

During the Fourth of July weekend, New Yorkers flocked to the Rockaways to escape the heat, coinciding with increased shark sightings. From July 1 to July 4, section closures were enforced as drones spotted sharks close to swimmers. Recent sightings included a shark just 100 feet from swimmers at Beach 113th Street. Drones were used for continuous patrolling to ensure safety. Historically, shark bites in the United States are rare, with only 28 confirmed bites reported last year. Following a shark incident on June 25, authorities decided to enhance drone surveillance for beach safety.
NYC beaches were closed over Fourth of July weekend after drones spotted sharks near swimmers, with multiple sightings prompting temporary swimming bans from Beach 83rd to 120th.
Deputy Mayor Kaz Daughtry highlighted the drone patrols for detecting shark activity and distressed swimmers, emphasizing that this system helps keep New Yorkers safe.
Experts note that the chances of being bitten by a shark are extremely low, with only 28 confirmed shark bites reported nationwide last year.
A woman on Long Island's Jones Beach was recently bitten by a shark, leading state officials to increase drone surveillance along beaches.
Read at Gothamist
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