Atlantic Beach, Nassau County, Long Island, NY.
Photo: Mariela Lombard / El Diario
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While dozens of thousands of people head to the beaches of Long Island (NY) and other areas of the tri-state area by Independence Day long weekend, the police intensify their patrols in search of sharks.
Additional patrols come after a reported possible shark bite. Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman said a 40-year-old man was bitten on the leg in the waters off Jones Beachreported ABC News, without offering more details.
Additional measures include marine patrol boats, a helicopter and also a drone. Blakeman said that shark incidents on Long Island are very rare, but still warned swimmers to be careful.
“I want to emphasize to everyone that it is safe to go into the ocean, however, just like crossing the street, precautions must be taken.” Blakeman said. “One of the precautions we’re taking in Nassau County is to increase our patrols in the surrounding waters, especially the ocean.”
Last year’s summer, Jones Beach was closed after for two consecutive days sharks were sighted in the area and a lifeguard working on that beach was “potentially” bitten by one.
Also a great white shark of about 900 pounds (almost half a ton) was seen off the coast of Jersey, Delaware and Long Island in June 2021, according to OCEARCH, non-profit shark tracking organization.
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