Shark Sightings in NYC Prompt Beach Closures
On July 4th, several sharks were spotted in the waters off New York City, leading to temporary beach closures in Queens. This unusual sighting caused quite a stir among beachgoers.
A video circulating on social media captured one shark swimming near a beach area in Far Rockaway, Queens. This particular shark was seen around Beach 32nd Street around 11:30 AM. Additional reports of shark sightings came from Beach 144th Avenue and Beach 30th Avenue, placing the city’s public safety under scrutiny.
“These sightings were alarmingly close to beach areas. Thankfully, thanks to the dedicated work by experts from Drone Tech, Lifeguards, and emergency management teams, everyone managed to stay safe,” Mayor Kazu Daughtry commented. “Although Beach 30 was closed for about an hour, it’s now reopened, and we’ll keep monitoring the situation closely.”
Christina Farrell, the first deputy commissioner of NYC Emergency Management, noted that their drone teams are actively tracking shark movements to ensure safety at the beaches.
Earlier in the week, Gov. Kathy Hochul had reassured New Yorkers that precautions were being taken to monitor shark activity along state beaches, particularly on Long Island, in preparation for the holiday weekend.
“Our Long Island State Park beaches are treasures for both New Yorkers and visitors. They’re fantastic spots to disconnect and enjoy nature,” Hochul stated. “We’re continually enhancing our measures for shark surveillance and safety, which will help safeguard these cherished summer outings. We urge beachgoers to stay alert and heed the instructions from lifeguards and park personnel.”
Meanwhile, Randy Simons, the Acting Commissioner of New York State Parks, expressed confidence in keeping beach patrons secure. “Our team is prepared to protect beachgoers this season and is eager to utilize the latest technologies for improved effectiveness. We encourage everyone to pay attention to the guidance from park staff while enjoying their summer activities,” he concluded.
