ALBANY, NY (July 3, 2025) — As New Yorkers gear up for the Fourth of July weekend, Governor Kathy Hochul announced enhanced shark monitoring measures at Long Island State Park beaches to ensure safety during the peak summer season. The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, in collaboration with the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), has bolstered its surveillance capabilities with additional drones and trained staff to patrol Nassau and Suffolk County beaches.
“Our Long Island State Park beaches are cherished by New Yorkers and visitors alike — perfect places to get offline, get outside and enjoy the outdoors,” Hochul said. “We are continuing to strengthen our shark surveillance capabilities and safety tactics at these beaches to help protect these treasured summertime traditions.”
The state has expanded its drone fleet to 28, adding six new drones to the existing 22, and trained eight additional drone pilots, bringing the total to 48 operators among lifeguards, park staff, and Park Police. A large enterprise drone equipped with thermal imaging, laser range finding, and high-quality cameras has been assigned to Park Police for nighttime and adverse weather patrols. This drone can also deploy personal flotation devices in emergencies.
SEE: DEC Shark Safety
When sharks are sighted, swimming is suspended, and beaches are cleared until at least one hour after the last confirmed sighting. Lifeguards, Park Police, and park staff remain on high alert, while the Long Island Coastal Awareness Group, comprising over 200 members from municipalities and private beach operators, is notified to take appropriate action.
New York State Parks Commissioner Pro Tem Randy Simons emphasized the state’s preparedness. “Our staff is well prepared to safeguard beachgoers this summer season, and we’re excited to adopt the latest technology to be even more effective,” Simons said.
DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton highlighted the importance of awareness.,“Being aware of rip currents, following the State’s shark safety guidance, and keeping in mind that our coastal areas are part of a wild and natural marine ecosystem will help swimmers avoid danger,” Lefton said.
Beachgoers are urged to follow shark safety guidelines, including avoiding areas with schools of fish, swimming in groups, staying close to shore, and adhering to lifeguard instructions. The state also introduced two virtual reality headsets to educate the public about rip currents at water safety outreach events from May 31 to September 6, 2025. Developed by Hofstra University Professor Jase Bernhardt and developer Frank Martin, the bilingual headsets will be available at parks like Robert Moses, Sunken Meadow, Heckscher, Wildwood, and Captree State Parks during scheduled events in July, August, and September.
Rip currents, which can form near shallow points and are prevalent along coastlines, pose a significant risk. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, about 100 people are killed annually by rip currents in the U.S. Swimmers caught in a rip current are advised to remain calm, swim parallel to the shore, and float or tread water if tired.
This article was drafted with the aid of Grok, an AI tool by xAI, under the direction and editing of Robert Cox to ensure accuracy and adherence to journalistic standards.
