Lifeguards use drones to watch for sharks at beaches
To help ensure swimmer safety, lifeguards monitor the ocean from the shoreline and from above using drones. The unmanned aircraft provide an aerial view of the water, allowing crews to spot potential hazards more quickly.
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As summer temperatures rise and beachgoers flock to the shore, lifeguards at Jones Beach are keeping a close eye on the water for sharks — using both traditional surveillance methods and new technology.
To help ensure swimmer safety, lifeguards monitor the ocean from the shoreline and from above using drones. The unmanned aircraft provide an aerial view of the water, allowing crews to spot potential hazards more quickly.
"I've got a really great aerial view," said Cary Epstein, Jones Beach supervising lifeguard, while operating one of the drones.
Drones are deployed several times a day to scan the water for sharks and the conditions that may attract them.
"Our key thing that we're really looking for is large pools of bait and bunker fish," Epstein said. "That's typically where sharks are feeding off these fish just offshore."
The use of drones has become an increasingly important part of New York state's beach safety efforts. State beaches received 16 additional drones this year, bringing the total number in operation to 46.
"Now we're going to have drones that have better cameras, so we'll be able to see into the water better," said George Gorman, of New York State Parks. "We have longer life of the battery so they'll be able to stay out there longer."
So far this year, no sharks have been spotted at New York State park beaches on Long Island. Still, officials encourage swimmers to remain aware of their surroundings and follow safety guidelines.
Lifeguards stress that swimmers should only enter the water in areas where lifeguards are on duty.
