Woman likely bitten by shark at Jones Beach, officials say
A woman was likely bitten by a shark while swimming at Long Island's Jones Beach earlier this week, New York State Parks officials said Friday.
The 20-year-old beachgoer reported getting bitten by an unknown marine animal in waist-deep water at the Central Mall beachfront Wednesday, State Parks officials said.
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation concluded a juvenile sand tiger shark was the most likely culprit after reviewing pictures of the woman's injuries, which included gashes to her shin and teeth marks on her foot, and other information about the incident.
Suspected shark bite at Jones Beach
Lifeguards, park rangers and EMTs immediately responded to the woman's call for help late Wednesday afternoon. They worked to stop the bleeding from cuts to her foot and leg. She was taken to Nassau University Medical Center to get stitches and has since been released.
"The victim called for help in the waters right here at the Central Mall. The waters were kind of murky, so she didn't see what might have bitten her," New York State Parks Regional Director George Gorman said. "Bite on her left foot and her left shin. On her foot, you could see bite marks and on her leg you could see a laceration."
Swimming was immediately suspended, and a subsequent drone search for "dangerous marine life" was unsuccessful, officials said.
"I'm glad it wasn't a great white, but that's crazy that they're so close to the beach and where people are hanging out," said beachgoer Mike Singer. "I wonder if that has anything to do with the temperature change."
Another drone search for sharks came up empty before swimming resumed Thursday morning. Lifeguards also scanned the water from the shore and watercraft before declaring it safe, officials said.
The beach's shark patrol technology has become quite sophisticated over the last three years. It includes multiple drone spotters, boats of all sizes and constant lookouts.
"I do like it that the lifeguards will blow their whistle and tell people to come on off the beach," Robert Larosa, another beachgoer, said. "I am sure they're getting information about different sightings of what they see or their patrols see in the water. I'm sure they are keeping us safe."
Gorman said the incident was the beach's first reported shark sighting of 2025.
"We're hoping we don't get any more," he said.
Ways to steer clear of sharks at the beach
New York State Parks says swimmers can do the following to minimize the risk of shark interactions:
- Avoid areas with seals
- Avoid areas with schools of fish, splashing fish, or diving seabirds
- Avoid swimming at dusk, night, and dawn
- Avoid murky water
- Swim, paddle, and surf in groups
- Stay close to shore, where your feet can touch the bottom
- Always follow the instructions of lifeguards and Parks' staff
