New York State provides resources for local governments to better monitor and communicate with authorities.
Governor Kathy Hochul announced today that new shark-spotting drones will be distributed along the coasts of Long Island, New York City and Westchester County.these drones will be distributed in response to previous “eyes in the sky” Actions taken to address and enhance beachgoer safety At State Beach. In total, Long Island, New York City and Westchester County beaches will offer up to 60 beaches. Governor Hochul made the announcement on July 14, an international celebration of Shark Awareness Day.
“We’ve added this eye in the sky as beachgoers enjoy their summer in New York, spending time on some of the most beautiful beaches in the country,” Governor Hocher said. “State staff will continue to do everything in our power to keep beachgoers safe. We have the tools and strategies to monitor marine wildlife and protect the health and safety of New Yorkers. These new drones will allow us to scan the waters and help local governments Long Island and New York City are making sure local beaches are safe for all.”
Earlier this year, Gov. Hochul instituted new shark safety protocols ahead of summer. The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation (State Parks) and the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) have increased monitoring of water bodies since shark sightings occurred over the July 4th holiday.
State parks are delivering the new drones to cities across the state and covering the training and operating costs. While most cities do not have drone surveillance capabilities, this investment will assist localities and agencies throughout the Long Island coastline and New York City to step up surveillance efforts to look for dangerous marine wildlife, including sharks, the fish schools they depend on, and Seals or diving birds.
New York State Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Commissioner Eric you have tadpoles, “We’re more vigilant now than ever. Along with our drone squadrons in state parks, we’re assisting communities monitor their waters. We’re also having lifeguards on WaveRunners who can comb shorelines and spot objects overhead time to investigate.”
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Segos said, “DEC appreciates the Governor’s investment in helping shoreline communities monitor sharks for public safety, and we look forward to continuing to work with our coastal partners. Swimmers can do their part by following shark safety guidelines to maximize the Reduce your risk of encountering sharks and stay safe.” A day at the beach in New York just got better. “
To minimize the risk of shark encounters, DEC urges swimmers to avoid swimming at dawn, dusk and night, and to swim close to shore and in pairs. This spring, state parks held preseason meetings with coastal cities and local agencies to provide updates on shark activity in New York State and discuss coordinating coastal notifications.In addition, DEC released the Guidelines for Reducing the Risk of Negative Shark Interactions.
When there is a shark sighting and/or interaction at a state park beach, swimming is suspended and all swimmers are cleared from the water. Swimming is allowed to resume at least one hour after the last sighting. State park lifeguards, park police and park staff are on high alert, patrolling the waters to spot dangerous marine life.
In addition, the Long Island Shore Awareness Team, comprising more than 200 individuals from municipalities, agencies and private beach operators from Queens to Long Island, was notified so they could take appropriate action within their respective jurisdictions.
In late May, Governor Hochul announced Enhanced shark surveillance measures For Long Island State Park beaches, which include the state park’s expanded monitoring capabilities:
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New York state has added 10 drones to the eight it operated last year. One of the new drones assigned to Park Police is a large enterprise model equipped with thermal imaging, laser ranging and high-quality cameras for nighttime surveillance and patrolling in adverse weather conditions.The drone could also drop a personal flotation device in an emergency -
Currently, 24 staff members including park police, state park operators, lifeguards and certified drone operators have been trained; -
State Park Environmental Educators Host Public Awareness Events About Shark Habitat at Jones Beach, Robert Moses and Sunken Meadows -
Two new Yamaha WaveRunners have been assigned to lifeguards patrolling Jones Beach and Robert Moses State Park.These private boats join those already in service at Sunken Meadows State Park -
Created additional buffer zone between swimming area and surf fishing area -
NYS Police Aviation to Respond When Sightings Happen
To minimize the risk of shark interactions, the Department of Conservation recommends the following Shark Safety Guide:
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Avoid areas with seals -
Avoid areas with schools of fish, splashing fish or diving seabirds -
Avoid swimming at dawn, dusk, and night -
avoid cloudy water -
Group swimming, boating and surfing -
Stay close to the shore so your feet can touch the bottom -
Always follow the directions of lifeguards and park staff
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blackman said, “Nassau County is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world and is regularly visited by millions of people every summer. The beaches are well protected by our lifeguards, Maritime Service, helicopter ATVs and drones Protection from any danger including sharks. Customers who come to our beaches are less likely to encounter sharks if they follow common sense safety precautions such as only swimming in protected areas. I would like to thank Governor Hochul for working with us , providing resources such as drones to help keep our residents and visitors safe.”
Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino said, “With shark sightings on the rise, these drones will further help us better monitor the waters and keep beachgoers safe. I thank Governor Hochul for providing these eyes in the sky to local governments throughout the region.”
Southampton Town Supervisor Jay Schneiderman said, “Southampton has some of the most beautiful beaches in the country. The waters of these beaches are also part of an amazing natural ecosystem that the town works hard to care for and protect. Sharks are part of this natural ecosystem and pose a natural risk to humans as the state deploys More drone technology will hopefully help our residents and visitors safely enjoy our beautiful beaches, while maintaining safe and protective interactions between beachgoers and the important marine life naturally present in the waters.”
Islip Town Supervisor Angie Carpenter said, “We thank Governor Hochul for providing these invaluable resources to local municipalities. On Long Island, we are fortunate to have some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, where millions of people come to make great summer memories.” They family. These drones will allow town lifeguards and crews to monitor our waters and keep swimmers safe while making sure they leave with happy memories. ”
Hempstead Deputy Mayor Dorothy Goosby said, “On behalf of the Town of Hempstead, I applaud our Governor. Governor Hochle for delivering a comprehensive drone solution, coupled with enhanced surveillance, that will help ensure our families and communities remain intact; Our safety!”
Long Beach Police Chief and Acting City Manager Ronald J. Walsh said, “Nothing is more important than the safety of our residents and visitors. We thank the Governor for giving us this additional tool to keep our beach residents safe. We look forward to putting these drones to good use.”
Whenever humans venture into any wild environment, whether on land or in water, they face risks. While it is impossible to completely eliminate risk, ocean users can modify their behavior to minimize potential interactions with sharks and reduce overall risk. when in the ocean, Follow DEC’s Shark Safety Guidelines Minimize the potential for negative interactions with sharks.
