A swimmer was bitten on the foot in a suspected shark attack at Jones Beach State Park in New York City on Friday, prompting authorities to temporarily close the beach. The incident occurred at Field 6, where the victim suffered lacerations on their foot. Lifeguards responded immediately, and the victim was taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Swimming was suspended while officials searched for sharks and other dangerous marine life. After an hour of searching, no sharks were found, and swimming resumed with restrictions, allowing only wading up to waist level.
The attack comes a day after multiple shark sightings were reported at other New York City and Long Island beaches. On Thursday, New York City officials reported sightings at Rockaway Beach in Queens, leading to intermittent closures. Lifeguards at Point Lookout on Long Island also spotted a shark, resulting in temporary closures at nearby beaches.
The beach closures coincide with record-breaking heat in the eastern United States, drawing large crowds to area beaches. Shark sightings have become more common as authorities increase the use of drones to monitor the waters. Experts note that while sharks are commonly found in U.S. waters, shark bites are rare, with an estimated 60 to 80 unprovoked bites worldwide each year.
Lifeguard Kate Maio, who treated the victim, described the injury as a deep gash across the man’s toes that exposed underlying bone. The man reportedly said, 'I got bit, I got bit! I don’t want to look,' as he approached the lifeguard stand.