NEW YORK — You’ve probably heard of the series of shark attacks on Long Island’s beaches.
None of the injuries have been too serious, but there have been what feels like a lot of too-close encounters with the animal in recent weeks. Swimmers, surfers and lifeguards are told to remain hyper vigilant.
At least one of the people recently bitten spoke of hitting the shark, over and over again, in a desperate effort to escape. It is a recommended maneuver when one is in that kind of danger.
Better advice? Try to avoid it in the first place. That seems to be the underlying motto of the shark safety tips shared by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation on Monday.
Do you want to minimize your risk of interactions with sharks? Avoid these encounters.
- Avoid areas with seals;
- Avoid areas where people are fishing;
- Avoid swimming in the ocean at dusk, dawn, or at night;
- Avoid cloudy water;
- Avoid isolation. Swim, paddle, kayak and surf as a group;
- Avoid areas with schools of bait fish. Those places often seem to have fish splashing on the surface, seabirds diving, or the presence of marine mammals such as dolphins;
Another pro tip: swim close to shore, where your feet can touch the bottom. And always comply with beach signage, as well as instructions from park staff and lifeguards, the state recommends.
Per state park guidelines, a reported shark sighting immediately suspends swimming so drones can survey the shoreline. If there are no more sightings or finds for at least an hour, swimming can be resumed.
All sightings are referred to the Long Island Coastal Awareness Group, made up of 180 people from municipalities, agencies and private beach operators stretching from Queens to Long Island.
At least four people have been attacked by sharks this summer since the beginning of July.
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