Overview

• Since July 1, city-operated drones have detected sharks on nine occasions at Rockaway Beach, triggering more than 12 hours of temporary closures.
• Beaches were paused for an hour each day on July 5, 6 and 7 after sharks surfaced within 100 feet of swimmers, with sections spanning multiple blocks.
• No injuries have been reported in connection with any of the sightings as lifeguards, NYPD and FDNY teams coordinate rapid all-clear drone sweeps.
• Governor Kathy Hochul directed deployment of 28 state drones and 48 trained operators to bolster shark surveillance alongside city assets.
• Experts say the rise in detections reflects enhanced aerial monitoring and a vibrant coastal ecosystem rather than a sudden increase in shark numbers.