Shark bite at Jones Beach sends person to hospital, swimming halted, officials say
A swimmer suffered a shark bite Friday at Jones Beach, officials confirmed, one day after multiple shark sightings at Long Island and New York City beaches.
Jones Beach officials said the male beachgoer suffered a minor shark bite in the water at Field 6 at around noon, forcing swimming to be halted for about an hour.
Rockaway Beach in Queens was temporarily closed at around 10:30 a.m. after drones confirmed sharks were in the area, the New York City Parks Department said.
Swimmer treated for shark bite
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation said the injured beachgoer had cuts on his right foot. The swimmer was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries after lifeguards responded.
"Bandaged him up and he was transported to Nassau University Medical Center. We immediately brought everybody in from the water," said State Parks Regional Director George Gorman.
The state parks office said swimming was suspended immediately and crews searched the beachfront for "dangerous marine life."
"After no sharks or other dangerous marine life were observed for an hour, swimming was reauthorized but restricted to wading up to swimmers' waists. The incident is under investigation," a statement said.
Multiple shark sightings this week
On Thursday, lifeguards spotted an 8-foot shark at Point Lookout and immediately ordered people out of the ocean.
The Town of Hempstead Shark Patrol responded with a drone and watercraft to track the shark until it was safe for swimming to resume.
"We saw about approximately an 8-foot shark cruising from east to west right through our area. It's about 40, 45 yards offshore," lifeguard Eamon Flynn said.
Adjacent beaches also issued a red-flag warning, which indicates dangerous swimming conditions.
New York City Emergency Management later issued its own warning about shark sightings at Rockaway Beach, saying there would be intermittent beach closures.
No shark bites were reported on Thursday.
Jones Beach Air Show practice run
Between the Fourth of July weekend and a full-length practice for the FourLeaf Air Show, Friday's a busy day at Jones Beach.
After the shark bite, when swimmers got the all clear to go back into shallow water, air show performers and headliners practiced and demonstrated their skills overhead.
In addition to the Blue Angels, Long Island welcomed the world-renowned Royal Air Force Red Arrows this year.
"We are incredibly proud to be playing a part of celebrating 250 years of American independence," said Sasha Nash, a Red Arrows pilot.
"What better way to enjoy the Fourth of July than going to an air show. American firepower, American air power," Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman said.
Jones Beach's annual air show was moved from Memorial Day weekend to July Fourth weekend for America's 250th. There will be fireworks at the beach Saturday night, followed the air shows at 10 a.m. Sunday and Monday.
