Swimmer injured in suspected shark bite at Jones Beach

A swimmer suffered non-life-threatening injuries after a suspected shark bite at Jones Beach State Park on July 3, prompting officials to temporarily halt swimming during one of the busiest beach weekends of the summer.

The incident occurred around noon near Field 6, where the swimmer sustained lacerations to a foot while in the ocean, according to New York State Parks. Lifeguards responded immediately, administered first aid and the victim was transported to Nassau University Medical Center for treatment. Officials said the injuries were not considered life-threatening.

Following the incident, lifeguards cleared swimmers from the water while park personnel searched the area using drones, boats and personal watercraft. No sharks or other dangerous marine life were found during the search. Swimming resumed about an hour later but was temporarily restricted to waist-deep water as a precaution.

The suspected bite came one day after several shark sightings prompted temporary swimming closures at nearby beaches, including Point Lookout and Rockaway Beach, during the busy Fourth of July holiday weekend.

Marine experts have noted an increase in shark sightings off Long Island in recent years, a trend attributed in part to healthier marine ecosystems, growing bunker fish populations that attract sharks closer to shore, and expanded drone surveillance that helps lifeguards spot marine life more effectively. Despite the increased sightings, shark bites remain rare.

The incident occurred just two days before the FourLeaf Air Show at Jones Beach, which drew thousands of visitors to the state park over the holiday weekend. Despite the scare, beach operations resumed after the precautionary search, and no additional shark encounters were reported. State Parks officials encouraged beachgoers to continue following lifeguard instructions and to swim only in protected areas.