State DEC issues guidance to avoid contact with sharks on Long Island this summer
The guidance comes as beach season picks up for the summer.
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The New York Department of Environmental Conservation has released guidance to promote public safety along Long Island's ocean beaches and minimize the risk of bad interactions between people and sharks this summer.
“Human-shark interactions are rare here, but DEC urges beachgoers and water enthusiasts to follow shark safety guidelines to reduce risk and help keep New Yorkers safe this summer,” DEC’s Director of Marine Resources Martin Gary said.
Shark spotting increases between June and September as the sharks migrate to New York's coastal waters.
News 12 asked the state if there have been any sightings so far this summer and are waiting to hear back.
To reduce risk and minimize potential interactions with sharks, the DEC recommends:
Avoid areas with seals
Avoid areas with schools of fish, splashing fish, or diving seabirds
Avoid swimming at dusk, night, and dawn
Avoid murky water
Swim, paddle, and surf in groups
Stay close to shore, where feet can touch the bottom
Always follow the instructions of lifeguards and park staff
In May, the state announced that it added 16 new drones to its fleet for shark tracking, bringing the total number to 46 for the season.
