Shark bite forces closure of 2 New York beaches Sunday
Two beaches in Long Island, New York, were closed Sunday after a lifeguard was said to be bitten by a shark
Long Island lifeguard bit by shark, third attack in a week
Teddy Tilkin, aquarist at the Long Island Aquarium, says many species of shark live in the Long Island, New York waters and encounters are increasing with more people flocking to the beaches.
LONG ISLAND, N.Y. – Two New York beaches are closed this holiday weekend after a lifeguard was said to be bitten by a shark.
FOX 5 New York said Sunday that Smith Point and Cupsogue Beach in Long Island's Suffolk County were temporarily closed to swimmers after the incident.
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"While shark attacks off Long Island Shores are extremely rare, officials will provide an update on the situation and outline additional measures residents can take to remain safe in the water," County Executive Steve Bellone's office said to the television station.
The extent of the lifeguard's injuries is unknown.
On Friday, Nassau County officials reported a possible shark bite near Jones Beach. Extra crews, including boats, helicopters and even drones, are out in what police call an "all hands on deck" weekend.
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The Atlantic White Shark Conservancy told FOX Weather Saturday that sharks frequent the Northeast this time of year.
Stay shark smart: What to know when you head into the water
Shark bites aren't something you hear about every day, but it can still happen. And beachgoers will need to be on guard this Fourth of July holiday weekend. FOX Weather's Nicole Valdes is live from the Chatham Fishing Pier in Massachusetts.
The nature conservancy says that there are a couple of things swimmers can do to try and avoid getting too close and personal with one of these sharks:
- Stay close to shore where you can hear any warnings if they go out
- Swim in groups. Don't go out alone
- Avoid marine life. Seals and fish that can be food for sharks
- Avoid dark, murky water you can't see through
- Always pay attention to flags or signs
- A purple flag means sharks frequent that area
- Don't splash around
And most importantly, listen to the lifeguards if they warn you to get out of the water. Lifeguards get these alerts firsthand from researchers and are in charge of deciding if and what action to take if there could be a shark nearby.
Staying safe in ocean as great white sharks occupy Northeast waters
Department of Natural Resources Director Robert Duncanson provides shark safety tips on FOX Weather.
STAY SHARK SMART: WHAT TO KNOW WHEN YOU HEAD INTO THE WATER
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