Overview
- Beaches on Long Island and at Rockaway were closed and reopened intermittently after multiple shark sightings on Thursday, July 2, with lifeguards posting red flags to keep swimmers out of the water.
- Town of Hempstead lifeguards reported an about 9‑foot shark near Point Lookout and used drones and a watercraft during repeated search patrols to monitor the animal.
- City agencies confirmed drone‑verified sightings off Rockaway and warned of intermittent closures while noting beach reopening rules that vary by sighting distance and number of sharks.
- Reports differ on species with some outlets calling the animals sandbar or bull sharks and others not specifying the type, and no injuries were reported on July 2.
- Officials say the sightings reflect seasonal shark movement and cleaner coastal waters that bring baitfish inshore, and authorities have expanded drone fleets and operators for continued monitoring during the holiday weekend and a heat wave; a separate minor shark bite was reported at Jones Beach the next day.