LONG ISLAND, NY – The Suffolk County Police Department has announced an escalation in shark patrols following a series of shark attacks off Fire Island earlier this week.
The first incident occurred on July 3 when a 15-year-old boy was bitten on the left foot while surfing at Kismet Beach around 5:20 p.m. The following day, two adults were also bitten, with the first incident taking place at 1:55 p.m. and the second at 4:25 p.m. Fortunately, all three victims sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were promptly transported to nearby hospitals for treatment.
In light of these shark encounters, as well as reports of incidents in neighboring police jurisdictions, the Suffolk County Police Marine Bureau and Aviation Section have ramped up their patrols at local beaches. To enhance their surveillance capabilities, the SCPD has also deployed drones to monitor the area’s waterways from a bird’s-eye perspective.
While the authorities encourage residents to enjoy their summer at the beach, they also emphasize the importance of remaining vigilant while in the water.
Swimmers are advised to be alert and cautious, particularly if they spot a shark or a pod of bunker fish, which are known to attract these predators. In such instances, individuals are urged to calmly exit the water and promptly notify the lifeguard on duty or a local official.