5 Things To Know About Sharks At New York Beaches

Shark sightings have been all over the news this summer. Multiple incidents closing beaches along Long Island and the metro area. Before you cancel beach plans entirely heres five things you should actually know about sharks in these waters.

1. Theyve Always Been There

Sharks are not invading coastal wildlife at New York beaches. Theyve been in these waters since before Manhattan was even a thing. Whats changed is our ability to spot them – more drones in air, more people in water, more phones to record sightings. Awareness increased not shark populations.

That said some species are recovering from historic overfishing. Sand tiger sharks and others making comebacks after conservation efforts. More sharks in cleaner waters is actually ecosystem health sign even if it feels scary.

2. Most Bites Are Mistaken Identity

Sharks typically bite surfers and swimmers because they mistake them for seals or fish. Once they realize error they usually let go. Small comfort if youre the one bitten but unprovoked attacks are rarely predatory.

Murky water near shore after storms increases mistaken identity risk. Sharks cant see well in turbid conditions. Avoid swimming right after heavy rains when visibility is poor.

3. Species Matter A Lot

Most sharks in New York waters are relatively harmless. Sand tigers look terrifying with toothy grins but have never killed a human. Thresher sharks, blue sharks, various small species cruise these waters without incident.

Great whites do occasionally visit following seal populations. Theyre responsible for most serious attacks globally. But your odds of encountering one let alone being bitten remain vanishingly small.

4. Prevention Works

Avoid swimming at dawn and dusk when sharks most active. Stay out of water near fishing activities or bait. Dont wear shiny jewelry mimicking fish scales. Swim in groups not alone.

If you see baitfish schooling erratically or birds diving aggressively that feeding activity might attract sharks. Move away from those areas.

5. Perspective Really Matters

Youre more likely to die driving to beach than from shark attack. Rip currents kill far more swimmers annually. Drowning in general claims hundreds of lives at US beaches each year. Sharks? Usually fewer than two fatalities nationwide. Respect the ocean. Be aware. But dont let shark fear ruin your summer.