Shark security: New York State supplies suggestions, warns swimmers heading to seashores this summer season

JONES BEACH, Long Island (WABC) — New York is stepping up efforts on land and air to guard swimmers from sharks this summer season and assist cut back their danger.

There are 13 shark species that can migrate via New York waterways, in line with the Department of Environmental Conservation. That migration is occurring proper now between June and September, and efforts are being ramped as much as defend swimmers.

Eyewitness News bought combined reactions from beachgoers at Jones Beach about whether or not they’re involved.

“I’m 92 years old; I couldn’t give a damn, I love the ocean,” stated beachgoer Nergesh Tejani.

Tejani loves the sensation of hopping into the ocean and says she is not apprehensive about sharks, however her children do regulate her when she’s out for a swim.

“My children do; they look out for me, but I’m reckless,” Tejani stated.

Other beachgoers have been extra skeptical.

“I stay close to the shoreline, and I keep an extra eye out, definitely,” stated one beachgoer.

“I did worry last week. I was watching two little ones, and I’m like, ‘oh god, if I see a shark, what am I going to do?'” stated one other beachgoer.

Last 12 months, there was one individual bitten by a shark at Jones Beach, in line with the State Department of Environmental Conservation.

“We have seen them reasonably regularly over the last several years,” stated George “Chip” Gorman, Jr., Long Island regional director for the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.

To assist cut back dangers when swimming, the DEC has launched “Shark Smart” security steerage.

“Only swim in protected areas,” Gorman, Jr. stated. “Listen to the lifeguards. Be mindful of your surroundings. Swim with a buddy.”

He suggested swimmers to remember and stated they’re always monitoring for sharks from the lifeguard stand, with a hen’s-eye view.

“I’ll scan the immediate shoreline, and from there I’ll work my way out a little bit,” stated Cary Epstein, a supervising lifeguard at Jones Beach.

This 12 months, there are 46 drones on the Jones Beach fleet. They assist lifeguards spot massive sea animals and the fish they could be following.

“Looking for sharks is like a needle in the haystack, what you are really looking for is large pods of bait and bunker fish,” Epstein stated.

Thirteen completely different shark species are at present making their summer season migrations, together with nice whites and hammerheads. Officials say swimmers must be conscious.

“We’re using the technology, if you look, you shall find, and there are sharks in the ocean, don’t be surprised about that,” Epstein stated.

There have been no reported shark sightings at Jones Beach this 12 months.

You can discover a list of shark safety tips and guidelines on the state’s web site.

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