A swimmer was bitten on the foot in a suspected shark attack Friday at a New York City beach, prompting authorities to temporarily close the beach. The incident occurred at Jones Beach State Park Field 6, where the victim suffered lacerations and was transported to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
The attack came a day after multiple shark sightings were reported at other New York City and Long Island beaches. Officials at Rockaway Beach in Queens reported sightings and imposed intermittent closures, while lifeguards at Point Lookout on Long Island also cleared the water after spotting a shark.
Following the bite, swimming was suspended while authorities searched for sharks and other dangerous marine life. After an hour-long search with no findings, swimming resumed but was restricted to wading up to waist depth.
The beach closures coincide with a record-breaking heatwave gripping the eastern United States, drawing large crowds to the coast. Shark sightings have become more common as authorities increase drone surveillance, but experts emphasize that shark bites remain rare. Gavin Naylor of the Florida Museum of Natural History noted there are only 60 to 80 unprovoked bites worldwide each year.
