Greater Massapequa coverage is funded in part by Greater Long Island Dental, a family-oriented general and cosmetic dental practice offering advanced technology and personalized patient care.
Nassau County officials are stepping up beach patrols and issuing reminders about ocean safety after a woman was bitten by a sand tiger shark last week at Jones Beach.
On Monday, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman laid out the new safety measures during a press conference at Lido Beach — and even went for a swim to show it’s still safe to enjoy the water.
“We will do everything to keep you safe,” said Blakeman, standing in front of three drones that will be used to patrol the shoreline.
“We want to make sure you have a very, very safe and healthy summer.”
Blakeman said the county is increasing surveillance with helicopters, drones, lifeguards, beach patrols and boats, all operating longer hours during the day.
Officials are also reminding beachgoers to swim only in designated areas, and always when lifeguards are on duty.
“After dusk, sharks are very actively feeding,” Blakeman said. “So do not go in after dusk. Stay in the water only when the beaches are protected.”
Rip currents remain a top concern. Blakeman noted they are the leading cause of beach drownings nationwide — and can overpower even the strongest swimmers.
“Avoid panicking because rip currents do not pull people underwater,” he said. “Relax, float until you’re out of the rip current. If you do that and you are swimming in a guarded area, the lifeguards will see you and they will come out to assist you.”
If caught in a rip current, he added, raise and wave your hand for help, but don’t fight the current.
Blakeman also had a message for boaters and wave runner operators:
Follow the rules, especially when it comes to speed limits in the inlets.
“We’re going to have an amazing summer, as we always do here in Nassau County with some of the most beautiful beaches in America,” Blakeman said. “But we have to make sure that everybody follows the rules. And if you follow the common sense rules, you will have a safe and exciting and fun summer here at our Nassau County beaches.”
Top: Jones Beach Theater is seen in the background with a Nassau County police helicopter in the foreground along Ocean Parkway at Jones Beach in Wantagh, N.Y., Thursday, April 14, 2011. (Credit: (AP Photo/Robert Mecea))
Your Long Island news, delivered.
Subscribe to the GLI Newsletter — its free
