Heightened alert at Jones Beach following suspected shark bite
State park officials say a 20-year-old woman was waist deep in the water Wednesday afternoon when something bit her.
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Authorities at Jones Beach are on heightened alert after a suspected shark bite earlier this week in the water near the Central Mall.
State park officials say a 20-year-old woman was waist deep in the water Wednesday afternoon when something bit her. She was taken to the hospital for minor cuts to her leg and foot.
New York’s Department of Environmental Conservation says she was most likely bitten by a juvenile sand tiger shark.
"Makes me want to hesitate to go into the water," said Don Amira, of East Williston.
Authorities are beefing up patrols. The state Parks Department says that lifeguards are on high alert and officials have drones in the sky.
"They also have surf boats that are out there that are patrolling…They have personal watercraft that are out there so that they can keep everyone as safe as we possibly can," said George Gorman, regional director of New York State Parks.
Officials say to stay away from murky water and don't swim near any schools of fish.
Swimming was called off for the rest of the day Wednesday as officials looked for what bit the woman. Swimming resumed Thursday morning.
