Shark sightings are very rare, and the chances of being attacked by one is even smaller. But now they’re becoming more frequent not too far beyond the swimmers. Lifeguards are now stepping up their shark patrol game as shark sightings increase. A lifeguard supervisor, Justine Anderson, states “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.”
There’s been many urgent scenes due to shark attacks, including one Point Lookout Beach on Long Island. The article, “N.Y. Beaches Step Up Shark Patrols, Adding Drones, Trackers and Tourniquets,” states, “a lifeguard on a Jet Ski circling continuously while Nassau County police officers surveyed the waters by boat and helicopter.” In the past summer there have been daily incidents where sharks came to feed a little too close, causing a “temporary closing of swimming areas.” Just this summer a 10-foot Mano shark washed up onto shore, and authorities said that a man at Jones beach has supposedly been attacked and bitten by a shark.
Although there are additional lifeguards at every beach, and there are more safety procedures for shark attacks, some people still seem to have a different view on why there are more shark sightings. A scientist, Hans Walter, one who works with the Wildlife Conservation Society’s New York Aquarium said, “these sharks are not looking for people. They’ve been prowling the ocean for millions of years and there are no more sharks here this year, or last year, or the year before that. We’re just looking for them more.” Of course, this is still very concerning for the public so many beach operators and lifeguards are just trying to comfort the public by letting them know that they are prepared and ready for any incident.
Having more sharks in the ocean may be scary for swimmers, but there is actually a bright side to have more sharks. It’s a good sign that there is a healthier ecosystem now. Quarantine might just be doing the environment a favor.
There’s been many urgent scenes due to shark attacks, including one Point Lookout Beach on Long Island. The article, “N.Y. Beaches Step Up Shark Patrols, Adding Drones, Trackers and Tourniquets,” states, “a lifeguard on a Jet Ski circling continuously while Nassau County police officers surveyed the waters by boat and helicopter.” In the past summer there have been daily incidents where sharks came to feed a little too close, causing a “temporary closing of swimming areas.” Just this summer a 10-foot Mano shark washed up onto shore, and authorities said that a man at Jones beach has supposedly been attacked and bitten by a shark.
Although there are additional lifeguards at every beach, and there are more safety procedures for shark attacks, some people still seem to have a different view on why there are more shark sightings. A scientist, Hans Walter, one who works with the Wildlife Conservation Society’s New York Aquarium said, “these sharks are not looking for people. They’ve been prowling the ocean for millions of years and there are no more sharks here this year, or last year, or the year before that. We’re just looking for them more.” Of course, this is still very concerning for the public so many beach operators and lifeguards are just trying to comfort the public by letting them know that they are prepared and ready for any incident.
Having more sharks in the ocean may be scary for swimmers, but there is actually a bright side to have more sharks. It’s a good sign that there is a healthier ecosystem now. Quarantine might just be doing the environment a favor.
