Shark Safety Blitz at Jones Beach After Woman Bitten

Increased Shark Surveillance at Jones Beach

• 🦈 A shark safety blitz is underway at Jones Beach following an incident where a woman was bitten.
• 🚁 Enhanced surveillance includes drones, boats, and helicopters to monitor the waters.
• lifeguards are on high alert, with more eyes on the water than ever before.

The Jones Beach Biting Incident

• ⚠️ An upstate woman was bitten on her foot and shin, sustaining a gash and tooth marks.
• 🐟 The bite is believed to have been from a juvenile sand tiger shark that may have mistaken the swimmer for prey.
• 🌊 The victim was reportedly swimming and bodyboarding in the area for over 30 years.

Understanding Sand Tiger Sharks

• 💡 Sand tiger sharks are typically docile and feed on small fish like menhaden and squid.
• 📏 They can grow up to 10.5 ft, significantly smaller than the great white shark.
• 🦷 They do not possess the teeth or inclination to attack prey their own size, such as humans.

General Shark Safety Recommendations

• 🏊‍♀️ Visitors are advised to swim in groups and always with a lifeguard.
• ⏰ Avoid swimming at dawn and dusk, as these are peak feeding times for many shark species.
• 🌡️ Warm water can attract more sharks as they chase schools of fish.