Sharks As 'New Normal' Spur Increased Patrols, Lifeguard Drone Training On Long Island

SHIRLEY, NY — In the past, the biggest danger faced by Suffolk's residents was getting caught in a wicked rip current that snapped up just off the beach.

In August 2021, Smith Point County Park in Shirley was closed after a shark sighting, then the following year, over July 4th weekend, a lifeguard was bitten making history at the park, at first seeming an aberration.

But five shark-related attacks this year along with increased sightings in the waters off of the barrier island has led Suffolk officials to believe seeing the once-seldom seen marine life will be more like the new normal, prompting the need for an action plan.

County Executive Steve Bellone announced Thursday at Smith Point that two additional drones have been purchased to monitor the county's shorelines and that its ocean-beach lifeguards will take part in training to become certified drone operators, something that will allow them to not only scout for dangerous marine life like sharks, but also monitor of rip currents.

"This makes it clear that last summer was not an aberration," he said. "But that what we're looking at is likely a new normal here, and that shark bites and shark incidents are something that we're going to have to be addressing on a more regular basis and are simply going to be a part of the routine of what we do out here every day in terms of the monitoring that our ocean lifeguards do."

The announcement has expanded the county's previous efforts of patrolling for sharks and other dangerous marine life by using wave runners paddle boards, and surfboards, in addition to monitoring from the shore at the county's ocean beaches, including Smith Point and Cupsogue in Westhampton.

When lifeguards confirm the presence of dangerous marine life, like sharks, the swimming area is closed and monitored for an hour while drones and wave runner patrols are deployed.

"Our goal here, of course first and foremost is to keep residents safe," Bellone said. "But it's also just to provide a sense of reassurance and comfort in knowing that when you come to the beaches, that we have every tool at our disposal at our disposal ready to assist and to help make sure that you have a great day at the beach and that day does not include shark bites."

Bellone said officials are asking that residents practice common sense measures, like avoiding swimming in an area not protected by a lifeguard, areas with bait fish, swimming at dawn or dusk, and wearing shiny jewelry.

Swimming in numbers should be practiced and swimmers should leave an area if they see a shark, and inform a lifeguard straight away.

"We want everybody to enjoy their summer to enjoy our beaches," Bellone said. "They're so important to our way of life and our quality-of-life in Suffolk County and on Long Island, and these measures that we are taking reflect the fact that these incidents that have occurred indicate that this was not just a one season aberration, but something that we're going to have to be dealing with moving forward for the foreseeable future."

Gov. Kathy Hochul said Friday that dozens of drones will be deployed at the state's beaches.

"New York has some of the most beautiful beaches in the country, and I've directed State personnel to do everything possible to keep beachgoers safe this summer," she said. "Ahead of the busy summer season, we developed new tools and strategies to monitor marine wildlife and protect the health and safety of New Yorkers."

"These new drones will increase the shark monitoring capacity of local governments across Long Island and New York City, ensuring local beaches are safe for all beachgoers," she said.

Islip Town Supervisor Angie Carpenter, along with town officials, a veteran ocean lifeguard and a NYS DEC marine biologist, also held a news conference Thursday to address the recent shark encounters.

“It’s days like today that really make you want to get out on the boat, head to the beach, and truly enjoy the water and all our island community has to offer," said Carpenter. "But if this past weekend serves as any sort of sobering reminder, the beauty of Long Island and its surrounding waters are not ours alone to enjoy."

Carpenter said residents share the water with the animals, for it is their home.

"While we should not fear to swim and take advantage of all the usual recreational activities that make growing up on Long Island so memorable, we should also stay vigilant and informed on the best practices to do so wisely,” she said.

Christopher Scott, marine biologist for the state Department of Environmental Conservation, said that 13 different shark species migrate to the area from the south. He stressed that the water is their natural habitat, and residents should always take precautions when swimming.

If one sees a shark, remember to stay calm and slowly back out of the water. Keep an eye on the animal, and alert lifeguards, he said.

"Listen to the lifeguards. Don’t go in where there are schools of bait fish or splashing fish in the water. Don’t go in at dusk, dawn, or nighttime," Scott said. "If the waters murky, that could increase encounters because sharks may misidentify their prey."