Gov. Hochul ramps up shark patrols across Long Island after numerous beach sightings

New steps are being taken to protect swimmers, after the recent shark sightings across Long Island.

News 12 Staff

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Jul 19, 2022, 10:12 AM

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Updated 886 days ago

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New steps are being taken to protect swimmers, after the recent shark sightings across Long Island.

As News 12 has previously reported, at least four people have been bitten.

In a video taken from a lifeguard drone camera Thursday off Jones Beach, viewers can see one of the sharks spotted off the south shore this summer.

Now, Gov. Kathy Hochul is ordering more equipment on the shore, in the water and in the air, as a way to identify sharks and keep beachgoers safe.

"They're gonna be scanning the waters. They'll be in the surf boats, in front of the swimmers, to make sure if we see anything dangerous situations ... any sharks, anything that would cause a problem. We'll get swimmers out of the water, " said George Gorman, regional director of Long Island state parks.

Hochul is also increasing helicopter flights by state police and allowing beaches to increase overtime for lifeguards by 25%.