Shark Attack Spike Spurs Drone Patrol At NY Beaches

NEW YORK CITY — Sharks won't be the only things patrolling New York beaches popular with city dwellers.

More drones, helicopters and lifeguards will start surveilling Long Island beaches after Gov. Kathy Hochul directed state agencies Monday to beef up measures to protect beachgoers from shark attacks.

Long Island beaches have seen a rash of recent shark attacks, with three in Suffolk County alone out of five total along the island's shores, NPR reported.

"We are taking action to expand patrols for sharks and protect beachgoers from potentially dangerous situations," Hochul said in a statement. "I encourage all New Yorkers to listen to local authorities and take precautions to help ensure safe and responsible beach trips this summer."

Shark attacks are still rare in general and along Long Island specifically, but they have become more common this season.

The recent attacks are likely from young sand tiger sharks that have confused people's feet for fish, experts told NPR. Sand tiger sharks, despite their menacing appearance, generally avoid humans, experts say.

But, regardless, the shark attacks — which included one at Jones Beach and another near Fire Island, both popular spots for New York City dwellers looking to flee the city — have prompted officials to take safety steps.

Suffolk County officials last week said they'd increase patrols and drone surveillance after the three attacks, which were the first shark bites reported in the county since 1959.

And Hochul's announcement appears to greatly expand efforts.

State Parks lifeguard staffing will increase by 25 percent through overtime, giving each stretch of beach between two and four guards, officials said.

Drone availability will expand from one to three at Jones Beach, two at Robert Moses State Park and the first-assigned drone at Hither Hills State Parks, officials said.

Parks officials expect to have 19 certified drone operators in the coming weeks, according to a governor's office release.

A shark sighting will prompt swimming to be suspended at state parks for at least one hour, officials said.

Beyond the drone and lifeguard surveillance, the state's Department of Environmental Conservation has the following shark safety tips for beachgoers:

• Avoid areas with seals.
• Avoid areas with schools of bait fish, often characterized by fish splashing on the surface, diving sea birds, or the presence of marine mammals such as dolphins.
• Avoid areas where people are fishing.
• Avoid swimming in the ocean at dusk, dawn, or nighttime.
• Avoid murky water.
• Avoid isolation. Swim, paddle, kayak, and surf in groups.
• Swim close to shore, where your feet can touch the bottom.
• Always follow the instructions of lifeguards and Parks staff.
• Adhere to all signage at beaches.