Shark bite forces closure of 2 New York beaches Sunday

Two beaches in Long Island, New York, were closed Sunday after a lifeguard was said to be bitten by a shark

LONG ISLAND, N.Y. – Two New York beaches are closed this holiday weekend after a lifeguard was said to be bitten by a shark. 

FOX 5 New York said Sunday that Smith Point and Cupsogue Beach in Long Island's Suffolk County were temporarily closed to swimmers after the incident. 

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"While shark attacks off Long Island Shores are extremely rare, officials will provide an update on the situation and outline additional measures residents can take to remain safe in the water," County Executive Steve Bellone's office said to the television station. 

The extent of the lifeguard's injuries is unknown. 

On Friday, Nassau County officials reported a possible shark bite near Jones Beach. Extra crews, including boats, helicopters and even drones, are out in what police call an "all hands on deck" weekend.

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The Atlantic White Shark Conservancy told FOX Weather Saturday that sharks frequent the Northeast this time of year.

The nature conservancy says that there are a couple of things swimmers can do to try and avoid getting too close and personal with one of these sharks:

  • Stay close to shore where you can hear any warnings if they go out
  • Swim in groups. Don't go out alone
  • Avoid marine life. Seals and fish that can be food for sharks
  • Avoid dark, murky water you can't see through
  • Always pay attention to flags or signs
  • A purple flag means sharks frequent that area
  • Don't splash around

And most importantly, listen to the lifeguards if they warn you to get out of the water. Lifeguards get these alerts firsthand from researchers and are in charge of deciding if and what action to take if there could be a shark nearby.

STAY SHARK SMART: WHAT TO KNOW WHEN YOU HEAD INTO THE WATER

Be sure to download the FOX Weather app to track any storms in your area and receive potentially life-saving weather alerts issued by the National Weather Service. The free FOX Weather livestream is also available 24/7 on the website and app and on your favorite streaming platform. The FOX Weather Update podcast also provides weather information for the entire country.

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