Jones Beach Swimmer Suffers 1st Suspected Shark Bite of 2026 Season
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Jul 3
Jones Beach Swimmer Suffers 1st Suspected Shark Bite of 2026 Season
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Jul 3
Summary
A swimmer at Jones Beach suffered non-life-threatening lacerations to the right foot around noon Friday after being bitten by “unknown marine life,” in what officials believe is New York’s first shark attack of the season.
The swimmer was treated at Nassau County University Medical Center, and swimming was halted immediately before resuming about an hour later after no sharks or other dangerous marine life were spotted.
Recent shark sightings had already triggered intermittent closures at Rockaway Beach in Queens and Point Lookout on Long Island during the Fourth of July holiday weekend and a brutal heat wave.
New York has expanded shark surveillance with 46 camera-equipped drones, including 16 added in May, a system officials say has helped drive more sightings in recent years.
Shark attacks remain rare: the United States recorded 25 unprovoked attacks in 2025, including one fatality, and Jones Beach was also the site of New York State’s last suspected shark attack in June 2025.