Previously uncommon, shark sightings on east coast beaches are becoming excessively frequent. Lifeguards are currently implementing new techniques and protocols to keep tourists safe. However, marine experts are warning that “the danger to people is infinitesimal.”
On the waves near Lido Beach, New York, lifeguards on jet skis continuously circle the waters while Nassau County police officers fly in helicopters above to monitor any potential threats. This vigilant observation protocol is one example of the many patrolling efforts on Long Island beaches.
Lifeguard supervisor Justine Anderson states that these patrols have “become part of [their] daily routine…[They’ll] patrol throughout the day and respond immediately if [they] get a report of a shark sighting.”
Anderson further stated that shark sightings were exceedingly rare in past years. Alarmingly, many sharks are feeding on bait fish close to swimmers. Many swimming areas have been temporarily closed to protect people from shark threats.
So far this summer a 10-foot long mako shark washed up on Point Lookout. Just last week authorities reported a man swimming at Jones Beach may have been bitten by a shark.
Numerous Long Island beaches have been strengthening their protection protocols with hourly runs over the shoreline by boat and helicopter. Lifeguards are now more than ever keeping a close watch for any possible fin in the waters.
Cary Epstein, a veteran lifeguard at Jones Beach highlights the drastic change on Long Island beaches: “It’s like a new world we’re living in…In my 26 years as a lifeguard, we never had to do this.”
Under Epstein’s lead, new drone units are being implemented in Jones Beach after a coworker was bitten by a shark while swimming. Lifeguards, park police, and other staff are being trained to operate a fleet of drones that will further monitor sharks in the ocean as a part of a new aerial shark watch program.
Epstein reassures the population that while sharks are an imminent threat, lifeguards are “definitely on aler and doing [their] due diligence” so that people can continue to enjoy Long Island beaches.
Source: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1bHSQdaf3LbvCeXXgBZ2bLgSckHDy7xwK/view?usp=drivesdk
On the waves near Lido Beach, New York, lifeguards on jet skis continuously circle the waters while Nassau County police officers fly in helicopters above to monitor any potential threats. This vigilant observation protocol is one example of the many patrolling efforts on Long Island beaches.
Lifeguard supervisor Justine Anderson states that these patrols have “become part of [their] daily routine…[They’ll] patrol throughout the day and respond immediately if [they] get a report of a shark sighting.”
Anderson further stated that shark sightings were exceedingly rare in past years. Alarmingly, many sharks are feeding on bait fish close to swimmers. Many swimming areas have been temporarily closed to protect people from shark threats.
So far this summer a 10-foot long mako shark washed up on Point Lookout. Just last week authorities reported a man swimming at Jones Beach may have been bitten by a shark.
Numerous Long Island beaches have been strengthening their protection protocols with hourly runs over the shoreline by boat and helicopter. Lifeguards are now more than ever keeping a close watch for any possible fin in the waters.
Cary Epstein, a veteran lifeguard at Jones Beach highlights the drastic change on Long Island beaches: “It’s like a new world we’re living in…In my 26 years as a lifeguard, we never had to do this.”
Under Epstein’s lead, new drone units are being implemented in Jones Beach after a coworker was bitten by a shark while swimming. Lifeguards, park police, and other staff are being trained to operate a fleet of drones that will further monitor sharks in the ocean as a part of a new aerial shark watch program.
Epstein reassures the population that while sharks are an imminent threat, lifeguards are “definitely on aler and doing [their] due diligence” so that people can continue to enjoy Long Island beaches.
Source: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1bHSQdaf3LbvCeXXgBZ2bLgSckHDy7xwK/view?usp=drivesdk
