A swimmer was bitten on the foot in a suspected shark attack Friday at Jones Beach in New York City, prompting authorities to temporarily close the beach. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Associated Press.
The attack occurred at Jones Beach State Park Field 6. According to the New York City Parks Department, the swimmer suffered lacerations on their foot. Lifeguards responded immediately, and an ambulance took the victim 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, none were found, and swimming was allowed to resume, though restricted to wading up to swimmers' waists.
On Thursday, New York City officials reported multiple shark sightings at Rockaway Beach in Queens, leading to intermittent beach closures. New York City Emergency Management also issued a warning urging beachgoers to follow lifeguard guidance.
Further east, lifeguards at a Long Island beach spotted a shark Thursday off Point Lookout and immediately ordered people out of the water. Point Lookout and neighboring Hempstead beaches were also temporarily closed.
The beach closures come as record-breaking heat continues to grip the eastern United States, drawing large crowds to area beaches.
Experts say shark sightings have become more common, but shark bites are rare. Gavin Naylor, director of the Florida Museum of Natural History's shark research program, told the Associated Press that there are between 60 and 80 known unprovoked bites worldwide each year. It is extremely rare for two or more people to be bitten in close proximity.