Millions of Americans are making their way to the coast for the Fourth of July holiday — and they are not the only visitors returning to the water.
Several shark sightings near one of New York’s busiest beach destinations, which draws more than 11 million visitors each summer, have prompted closures just days ahead of the holiday rush.
On Thursday, a large shark measuring about nine feet was seen off Point Lookout in Hempstead, located in Nassau County on Long Island.
The New York City Parks Department also confirmed multiple shark sightings near Rockaway Beach and cautioned that additional temporary closures could occur. Visitors have been advised to obey directions from lifeguards and beach personnel.
Shark activity typically increases from June through September, when warmer ocean temperatures help drive their seasonal migration.
Officials say sightings often rise around this holiday weekend, as sharks and the fish they feed on — including bunker — move closer to the shoreline.
Ahead of the Fourth of July crowds, New York authorities are warning swimmers to steer clear of areas with seals, large schools of fish or diving seabirds, avoid cloudy or murky water, and stay out of the ocean at dawn, dusk and after dark.
Swimmers, surfers and paddleboarders are also being urged to remain in groups, keep near the shore and follow all guidance issued by lifeguards and park staff.
Multiple sightings of sharks near one of America’s busiest beaches in New York, which attracts more than 11 million people each summer, have forced closures just days before the Fourth of July. Pictured is a shark spotted coast of Long Island on Monday
The sighting at Point Lookout occurred around 10.30am. Officials immediately raised red flags at the beach and neighboring shorelines, warning swimmers that dangerous conditions were present.
The Town of Hempstead’s Shark Patrol has been monitoring local waters with drones and patrol boats following the sighting.
Officials said the shark was spotted in the busiest section of the beach, with lifeguards and several beachgoers also reporting seeing the animal.
Under the town’s shark response protocol, swimming is suspended for one hour along a roughly one-mile stretch of coastline in both directions from where the shark was seen.
The notice was issued just before 1pm at Rockaway when a swarm of bull sharks was spotted close to the shore.
Officials said the sharks had been lingering in the surf for hours, with at least one sighting reported every hour since the first fin was spotted.
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The first onshore shark was spotted lurking off the coast of Long Island on Monday, just days after New York officials told beachgoers to stay alert.
Footage captured by Joanna L Steidle shows a hammerhead shark swimming not too far from the white, sandy beach filled with people enjoying the day.
‘I captured the 1st onshore shark sighting off the coast of New York for the season!’ Steidle shared on X.
And sharks are not the only threat keeping swimmers out of the water.
The Nassau County Department of Health also shut down the Biltmore Beach Club and Philip Healey Beach in Massapequa to swimming after testing revealed bacteria levels above state safety standards. Tides Beach in Rocky Point and Ronkonkoma Beach in Ronkonkoma have also been closed for the same reason.
The first onshore shark was spotted lurking off the coast of Long Island on Monday, just days after New York officials told beachgoers to stay alert
Multiple shark sightings near one of America’s busiest beaches in New York, which attracts more than 11 million people each summer, have forced closures just days before the holiday
Health officials warned that exposure to contaminated water can cause gastrointestinal illnesses as well as infections of the eyes, ears, nose and throat.
The beaches will remain off-limits to swimmers until follow-up tests show bacteria levels have returned to acceptable limits.
The Nassau County Department of Health issued the advisories for the Biltmore Beach Club and Healey Beach on Monday, due to heavy rainfall.
‘This advisory is issued as a precautionary measure for beaches known to be impacted by stormwater runoff caused by heavy rainfall,’ the department’s notice reads.
‘Stormwater runoff can impact bathing water quality by elevating bacteria levels, which may cause exceedances of the New York State standard for bathing water quality.’
