Smith Point County Park Closed To Swimming After Shark Sightings

SHIRLEY, NY — Smith Point County Park in Shirley has been temporarily closed to swimming after lifeguards spotted sharks offshore near the bathing area on Monday — the first time in 40 years there has been such an occurrence.

There were multiple sightings of sharks following large schools of bunker fish a little less than 20 yards from the beach's shoreline, County Executive Steve Bellone said.

"This is not a common occurrence," he said. "Our lifeguards are on alert. They are watching very closely."

Lifeguards are continuing to monitor the water with patrols on paddleboards, surfboards, and Jet Skis "in addition to their land surveying to keep a constant eye out for any potential shark sightings," Bellone said.

"Thankfully, we have not had any major issues or attacks here at this beach or at any of our county beach locations," Bellone said, crediting the county's lifeguards for their work in keeping the beaches safe.

The first shark sighting was at about 9:45 a.m. and then again at about 12:45 p.m., chief lifeguard Bob Kolar said. He did not know exactly what kind of sharks they are only that they are "roughly between four and five feet” long.

The beach closure is one of two this past season, with the first Aug. 2 nearby at the town of Brookhaven's Davis Park facility on Fire Island.

"What we will do is look and maintain and enhance lookouts for sharks, if we do not have a sighting in more than an hour, we will reopen the beach, and hopefully we will get the okay to open this beach again soon," he said.

Officials said that while shark attacks off Long Island shores remain extremely rare, they advise beachgoers to be aware of their surroundings when they are in the water. They are also advise people to swim in groups and stay away from the water at dawn or dusk, to not to enter the water when lifeguards are not on duty, and to avoid wearing shiny jewelry.

"Those are some basic tips to follow when, particularly, you are out enjoying the water while at the beach," Bellone said.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.