State steps up shark patrols on South Shore beaches

State steps up shark patrols on South Shore beaches

Patrick Beckley, Commissioner at Suffolk County Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services, stands on the boardwalk as beach-goers enjoy the surf at Smith Point County Park, a Long Island beach where shark bit a lifeguard 10 days earlier, Friday, July 15, 2022, in Shirley, N.Y. Shark sightings were relatively rare in the region until recently. Experts say cleaner oceans, warmer waters and a resurgence of the bunker fish that sharks feed on are among the reasons for the growing shark population. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)

East Farmingdale, NY- Expect to see more drones, helicopters and boats keeping a close watch on the South Shore Ocean beaches across Long Island. New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced Monday that the state would be conducting shark patrols at ocean beaches. In the past few weeks, four people have been bitten by sharks in the waters surrounding Long Island, all of the attacks involved non-life-threatening injuries. Despite the recent shark activity on Long Island, experts say shark attacks are still considered rare.

Photo: Patrick Beckley, Commissioner at Suffolk County Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services, stands on the boardwalk as beach-goers enjoy the surf at Smith Point County Park, a Long Island beach where shark bit a lifeguard 10 days earlier, Friday, July 15, 2022, in Shirley, N.Y. Shark sightings were relatively rare in the region until recently. Experts say cleaner oceans, warmer waters and a resurgence of the bunker fish that sharks feed on are among the reasons for the growing shark population.

By Brett Levine