Drone-Spotted Sharks Cause Closures

By Katie McFadden

Lights, camera, shark! As we celebrate the 50th Anniversary of “Jaws,” it seems every shark is looking for a bite of the spotlight. And it’s causing quite the stir on our beaches, which are facing temporary closures because of them being spotted by drone.

In recent years, the city has stepped up drone surveillance along the beach, with NYPD, FDNY, and OEM helping lifeguards to watch for rip tides, and especially, to search for sharks. The drone efforts come after the first time in 70 years, a woman was brutally attacked by a shark in August 2023 on Beach 59th Street. Since then, the drones are out in full force, and what are they finding? Sharks live in the water. But in an effort to keep people safe and away from them, the drones and lifeguards are alerting swimmers to clear the water, resulting in temporary beach closures over the hot holiday weekend.

On Friday, July 4, after a sighting, Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Kaz Daughtry put out an alert on social media saying “SHARK SIGHTINGS: ROCKAWAY BEACH CLOSURE. At 11:27 a.m., two sharks were spotted near B32. One marine animal also observed at B144. Latest sighting at B30. These sightings were very close to beachgoers. But thanks to drone tech, lifeguards, and the dedicated professionals at OEM, we’re keeping everyone safe as they enjoy the holiday.”

On Sunday evening, he gave another report of beaches being closed due to sightings from Beach 113th to Beach 115th, with sharks within 100 feet of swimmers.