NEW YORK (1010 WINS/WCBS 880) — Swimmers at stretches of Rockaway Beach were told to get out of the water after three shark sightings on Thursday afternoon, and state officials are soothing concerns by sharing the expanded shark surveillance on Long Island meant to keep beachgoers safe throughout the season.
“This summer, we expanded shark surveillance at our beautiful Long Island beaches to help ensure New Yorkers can safely cool down in the ocean and enjoy the sunshine,” Gov. Kathy Hochul said on Friday.
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation added five new drones to beaches at Long Island state parks, bringing the total to 22.
One of the drones, under the purview of state Park Police, is a large enterprise drone equipped with thermal imaging, laser range finding and high-quality cameras that allow for surveillance at night and in severe weather, the governor’s office said. The drone—like a model employed by the NYPD on New York City beaches—can drop personal floatation devices in emergency situations.
Twelve additional drone pilots were also added to operations staff, lifeguards and Park Police. There are now 41 total operators.
“[Park Police], lifeguards, and park staff are continually monitoring State Park beaches with regular drone patrols, as well as scanning the ocean waters,” Parks Commissioner Pro Tempore Randy Simons said. “Through Governor Hochul’s initiatives, these drones and training of our staff has been critical to keep our swimmers as safe as we possibly can.”
Shark activity near New York shores is expected to increase through September, and while it is impossible to swim with zero risk, officials say that swimmers can follow the state Department of Environmental Conservation’s safety guidelines to minimize potential interactions with sharks.
These include avoiding areas with seals, schools of fish or splashing seabirds; avoiding swimming at night or in murky waters; swimming, paddling and surfing in groups and staying close to shore where feet can touch.
There are 13 shark species that migrate through New York waters each year, and state officials said that they are a sign of a healthy marine ecosystem.
“Sharks are important species in our marine environment, and while human-shark interactions remain rare in New York, Governor Hochul’s investments in beach monitoring and public education continue to help reduce risks this summer,” DEC Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar said.
Representatives from the Long Island Coastal Awareness Group—made up of over 200 individuals from municipalities, agencies and private beaches from Queens through Long Island—have been briefed on dangerous marine life by state officials, Stony Brook University and the Wildlife Conservation Society earlier this year. They also received a drone presentation.