Nassau County Steps Up Shark Patrols After Multiple Sightings

NASSAU COUNTY, NY — Following multiple shark sightings over the past few days that have closed the waters along Nassau County's South Shore, County Executive Laura Curran announced today that the police department would be conducting increased patrols for sharks off the coast.

The Nassau County Police Department will be redeploying units already on patrol, Curran said, to make extra passes near the county's beaches to search for sharks. Two helicopters, which would already be on patrol, will be making extra passes over the water. And two of the police department's Marine Bureau boats will also be patrolling the waters to keep an eye out.

If any sharks are spotted too close to shore, or acting strangely or aggressively, Curran said that the police will notify all of the beaches in the area.

"This is the water. This is the home of marine life," Curran said. "Most sharks are not looking for trouble. Shark attacks are still extremely rare."

One of the sharks that was spotted in the water off the coast was reported to be a bull shark, which is an aggressive type of shark that can swim in shallow waters, where it could possibly come into contact with humans.

But according to Paul Siewerda, director of the marine organization Gotham Whale, those reports can't be substantiated. A bull shark would be rare for Long Island waters, he said, but not unheard of.

"It's a very difficult process to identify the exact species," he said. "A lot of sharks look alike."

Due to the shark sightings, Curran urged bathers at the beach to not go into water deeper than their waist. She also offered tips on how bathers can keep themselves safe:

• Stay close to shore. The farther out you are, the harder it is to be rescued in an emergency.
• Swim in groups. Sharks can be driven off by groups of people, which is very different from their normal prey.
• Especially avoid swimming alone at dawn and dusk. Those are when sharks are most actively hunting.
• Don't wear shiny jewelry in the water. Sharks can think light reflecting off of it is the scales of a fish.
• Don't swim if you have an open wound. Sharks have a very keen sense of smell and are extremely attracted to blood.

Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder urged people to stay calm and use common sense. There have been 12 shark attacks in Long Island waters since 1837, he said, which is extremely low. But swimmers should still listen to instructions from life guards.

"The lifeguards between the Town of Hempstead, the county and the state are experts at what they do. They're professionals," Ryder said. "If they tell you to get out of the water, get out of the water. Don't hesitate."