New York officials are increasing shark patrols after multiple shark sightings.
Last week, a man at Jones Beach received a deep cut on his foot while swimming. Officials later said it could have been a possible shark bite. During Memorial day weekend, a 10-ft mako shark washed up on the shores of Point Lookout.
The large sightings of sharks have caused many beaches in New York to increase patrols, using both boats and helicopters to help spot sharks. Many spots in Long Island are also using new technology, including drones, jet skis, paddle-boards, and online shark tracking.
Beaches are also trying to hire more lifeguards, but many lifesaving departments on Long Island are facing a national lifeguard shortage.
In past years, shark sightings were uncommon and rarely happened, but this year there has been a large increase in shark sightings and daily patrolling is now common for most beaches.
Justine Anderson, a lifeguard supervisor, commented, “It’s become part of our daily routine. We’ll patrol throughout the day and respond immediately if we get a report of a shark sighting.”
Some officials are saying that an increase in shark sightings may be explained by an increase in new technology and shark-tracking devices.
Despite this, many people are worried and are reluctant to go swimming after the recent surge in shark sightings, but scientists are saying that sharks do not cause danger to swimmers.
Hans Walters, a scientist with the Wildlife Conservation Society’s New York Aquarium, says, “The danger to people is infinitesimal. If anyone’s been in the ocean, they’ve already swum with sharks. They just don’t know it.”
Sources: https://s3.amazonaws.com/appforest_uf/f1656875678637x736341318503444600/N.Y.%20Lifeguards%20Now%20Watch%20for%20Sharks%2C%20Facing%20Dramatic%20Increase%20in%20Sightings%20-%20The%20New%20York%20Times.pdf
https://www.yahoo.com/now/york-ramps-shark-patrols-officials-001335018.html
Last week, a man at Jones Beach received a deep cut on his foot while swimming. Officials later said it could have been a possible shark bite. During Memorial day weekend, a 10-ft mako shark washed up on the shores of Point Lookout.
The large sightings of sharks have caused many beaches in New York to increase patrols, using both boats and helicopters to help spot sharks. Many spots in Long Island are also using new technology, including drones, jet skis, paddle-boards, and online shark tracking.
Beaches are also trying to hire more lifeguards, but many lifesaving departments on Long Island are facing a national lifeguard shortage.
In past years, shark sightings were uncommon and rarely happened, but this year there has been a large increase in shark sightings and daily patrolling is now common for most beaches.
Justine Anderson, a lifeguard supervisor, commented, “It’s become part of our daily routine. We’ll patrol throughout the day and respond immediately if we get a report of a shark sighting.”
Some officials are saying that an increase in shark sightings may be explained by an increase in new technology and shark-tracking devices.
Despite this, many people are worried and are reluctant to go swimming after the recent surge in shark sightings, but scientists are saying that sharks do not cause danger to swimmers.
Hans Walters, a scientist with the Wildlife Conservation Society’s New York Aquarium, says, “The danger to people is infinitesimal. If anyone’s been in the ocean, they’ve already swum with sharks. They just don’t know it.”
Sources: https://s3.amazonaws.com/appforest_uf/f1656875678637x736341318503444600/N.Y.%20Lifeguards%20Now%20Watch%20for%20Sharks%2C%20Facing%20Dramatic%20Increase%20in%20Sightings%20-%20The%20New%20York%20Times.pdf
https://www.yahoo.com/now/york-ramps-shark-patrols-officials-001335018.html
