Shark Attack at Jones Beach Leaves Swimmer Injured

On Friday afternoon, a swimmer suffered severe injuries after what lifeguards suspect was a shark attack at Jones Beach, according to officials.

Eyewitnesses reported that the shark, reminiscent of something from “Jaws,” bit a man’s leg around noon at the state park’s Field 6, coinciding with the Blue Angels’ air show that was taking place overhead.

According to lifeguard Kate Maio, the victim hurried to the lifeguard stand, clearly distressed and bleeding, exclaiming, “I’ve been bitten, I’ve been bitten! I don’t want to see you.” She was tending to him when he said his jaw was still hurting, but thankfully, it seems he is on the road to recovery.

Lifeguards assessed the injury—a deep gash along the man’s toe that exposed bone beneath. Maio’s partner quickly responded by tying his shirt around the man’s leg as a makeshift tourniquet. However, blood began to flow again, and Maio noted, “There was blood coming down my shirt.” It was a chaotic moment, though, as she added, “These things happen.”

The man had been swimming near the boundary marked by a green flag, an area indicated for swimming, but also close to where fishermen often set up. Paramedics arrived swiftly and transported him to a nearby hospital, where they believe he will fully recover.

Interestingly, while the victim did not see the shark himself, another beachgoer claimed to have witnessed the shark fin disappearing shortly after the attack. Based on the nature of the injury, lifeguards suspect a baby sand tiger shark may have been responsible.

This incident unfolded amid a crowded beach, as many sought relief from the scorching 100-degree temperatures. Alongside the beachgoers, others had gathered to watch the Navy Blue Angels practice for their upcoming July 4th display, which includes a ceremony over the Statue of Liberty.

This attack marks what is believed to be the first of the summer at Jones Beach, occurring just a day after several shark sightings led to the closing of nearby beaches. For instance, bull sharks were seen at Rockaway Beach for several hours on Thursday, deterring swimmers, while a notable 9-foot shark was spotted at Point Lookout.

Shark sightings along this stretch of coast typically increase around the Fourth of July, as warmer waters attract both sharks and their prey. Experts note that while sharks do not typically target humans, they can occasionally mistake a swimmer’s limbs for fish.