Suspected shark bite at Jones Beach disrupts Fourth of July weekend beach crowds

As Long Islanders embraced the Fourth of July weekend, a suspected shark bite at Jones Beach briefly halted swimming Friday and added to a growing string of recent shark sightings on the South Shore.

Shortly before noon, a man was injured while swimming near the beach at Field 6, prompting lifeguards to immediately clear the water. The swimmer was treated on the beach and taken by ambulance to a hospital with injuries that were not considered life-threatening.

The Associated Press, reported that swimming was suspended for a period while lifeguards, marine patrol units and other agencies searched the water for shark activity. After no shark was located, swimming resumed, with bathers limited to waist-deep conditions.

The incident unfolded as beaches across Long Island and New York City saw heavy crowds for the kickoff of the holiday weekend.

Friday’s brief closure came one day after multiple shark sightings triggered precautionary shutdowns elsewhere along the shoreline.

CBS New York reported that lifeguards observed shark activity off Point Lookout on Thursday, prompting temporary swimming bans and a coordinated response involving drone surveillance and patrol boats. Other sightings were reported near Rockaway Beach in Queens, where officials intermittently cleared swimmers from the water. Citing sources, the New York Post reported that the Jones Beach victim suffered a deep wound to the foot, with injuries described as consistent with a biting motion. Lifeguards at the scene reportedly told officials the injury may have exposed bone, and at least one beachgoer reported seeing what appeared to be a shark fin nearby.

State officials have not identified the marine species involved, and the investigation remains ongoing.

While shark encounters remain rare, marine experts and state officials note that sightings have become more frequent in recent summers, attributed in part to improving water quality, growing baitfish populations, and expanded surveillance using drones and patrol units.

Officials continue to urge swimmers to follow lifeguard instructions, avoid areas with baitfish activity, and remain close to shore during peak beach hours.

_{Top: Lifeguards ride a jet ski during a shark patrol run at Jones Beach State Park in 2023 (AP Photo/John Minchillo).}