Sharks spotted near Rockaway Beach in Queens and off Long Island at Point Lookout
The sharks are back in and around New York City and Long Island.
An 8-foot shark was spotted by lifeguards at Town Park Point Lookout on Long Island Thursday morning.
It happened at around 10:30 a.m. The beach and all adjacent beaches were immediately red-flagged for swimming, which indicates dangerous conditions are present.
New York City Emergency Management put out a warning at around 1 p.m. urging New Yorkers to expect intermittent beach closures at Rockaway Beach in Queens due to multiple shark sightings.
Shark patrol activated
The Town of Hempstead's Shark Patrol responded to Point Lookout by inspecting the local waters using a drone and watercraft. They followed the shark until they could no longer see it.
Shark protocol is to shut down swimming for an hour in the area encompassing one mile in each direction of the sighting. The shark was spotted in the most crowded area of the beach, according to the town.
Lifeguard Eamon Flynn said he caught a glimpse of the telltale fin and helped get people out of the water.
"We saw about approximately an 8-foot shark cruising from east to west right through our area. It's about 40, 45 yards offshore," Flynn said. "We pulled patrons out of the water."
Other lifeguards and beachgoers also confirmed seeing the shark.
"I saw lifeguards jump up and I was able to see. It was a huge fin in the water, not that far off from the shore," said Robin Leffler, of Rockville Centre.
"It's their home you know, just be careful. The flags were red, so, you know, I follow the rules," said Maria Coniglio, of Lynbrook.
County officials reassure beachgoers
Hempstead Town Supervisor Jon Ferretti and Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman arrived at Point Lookout to reassure beachgoers they were safe.
"We understand that seeing a shark can be concerning, but these precautions are designed to keep everyone safe," Ferretti said.
"Listen to the lifeguards and only go in guarded beaches," Blakeman said.
The town beaches reopened at around 1 p.m., according to Ferretti's office.
