Overview
- A 20-year-old woman suffered minor lacerations to her left leg and foot while wading at the Central Mall beachfront on June 25 and was treated for non-life-threatening injuries.
- New York State DEC biologists and parks officials determined a juvenile sand tiger shark most likely caused the bite following expert review.
- Swimming was suspended immediately after the attack and drones conducted aerial searches before the beach reopened the next morning.
- Jones Beach State Park now maintains continuous drone and lifeguard patrols along the shoreline to detect marine life and protect swimmers.
- Officials have issued seasonal safety guidelines urging beachgoers to avoid seals, schools of fish and murky water and to swim in groups close to shore.