US EditionNew York to Deploy Shark-Monitoring Drones to Beaches Following Reported Attacks
LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK, JUL 2 – New York has increased drone patrols from 22 to 28 and added eight drone pilots to monitor sharks after five bite incidents during the Independence Day weekend, officials said.
- On July 4, 2025, two sharks near Beach 32nd Street and one marine animal at Beach 144th Street in Rockaway Beach led to the temporary closure of Beach 30th Street for an hour.
- This event followed multiple shark sightings over the prior week along Cape Cod, including four white sharks spotted since June 27 and evidence from bitten seal carcasses.
- State officials enhanced safety protocols by expanding their drone fleet to 28 units, including a large advanced drone operated by Park Police that features night vision capabilities, precise distance measurement tools, superior camera systems, and the ability to deploy flotation devices during emergencies.
- Deputy Mayor Kaz Daughtry noted that sightings occurred very near to beach visitors and expressed gratitude to lifeguards, NYC Emergency Management staff, and the use of drone technology for their efforts in maintaining safety throughout the holiday.
- Officials will halt swimming for a minimum of sixty minutes following the most recent verified shark sighting and will continue patrol efforts through coordinated work with State Parks, DEC, and the Long Island Coastal Awareness Group.
23 Articles
23 Articles
Shark sightings briefly shuts beach in Queens
ROCKAWAY BEACH, Queens (PIX11) -- Two sharks seen swimming near visitors at Rockaway Beach in Queens caused a brief shutdown of the area on the Fourth of July, according to New York City Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Kaz Daughtry. The sharks were spotted along Beach 32nd Street just before 11:30 a.m. on Friday, along with another marine animal found near Beach 144th Street, Daughtry announced on the social media site X. More Local News (C…
Popular U.S. Beach Shut Down For Holiday Weekend Amid Shark Sightings
The Top 5 Regions With The Most Shark Attacks In The USA (1:39) This weekend was supposed to be the perfect time for people to head over to their local beach and simply relax. That won't be possible though for a few New Yorkers. Prior to the Fourth of July, Gov. Kathy Hochul assured New Yorkers that authorities would monitor the state's beaches for sharks. Her main concern was Long Island, but it turns out she should've been worried about Far…
NYC temporarily shuts down Queens beaches after sharks swim dangerously close to Fourth of July crowd
Sharks spotted near beachgoers in NYC waters on Fourth of July prompted temporary beach closures in Queens, with officials using drones to monitor shark activity.
After a shark attack on a bather, state and local authorities in New York will reinforce sighting operations for the holiday weekend
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