Shark Sightings Cause Temporary Closures at Rockaway Beach, Queens

Shark Sightings Prompt Beach Closures

• 🦈 Multiple shark sightings along New York beaches have led to temporary closures and kept swimmers out of the water.
• 📍 Rockaway Beach in Queens was particularly affected, with sightings reported near Beach 113th to Beach 115th Street.

Drone Surveillance and Safety Measures

• 🚁 City officials have been using drones to patrol the waters and monitor for shark activity and distressed swimmers.
• ⚠️ On Saturday evening, a drone spotted a shark approximately 100 feet from swimmers, leading to the closure of the beach between 113th and 115th Streets.

July 4th Incidents

• 🎆 On the 4th of July, there were three separate shark sightings at Rockaway Beach before noon.
• ⏱️ These sightings, occurring near Beach 32nd Street, Beach 144th Street, and Beach 30th Street, resulted in a portion of the beach being closed for about an hour.

Ongoing Patrols and Future Outlook

• 🌊 City officials are committed to continuous drone patrols to ensure beach safety.
• ✅ Rockaway Beach is expected to be fully open, but officials remain vigilant and prepared to implement further closures if necessary.
• 🏖️ Despite the sightings, a large turnout is expected at Rockaway Beach, with officials maintaining a close watch.