A 9-foot shark was spotted in the waters off Long Island Thursday, prompting a warning to beachgoers.
Town of Hempstead lifeguards spotted the fish at Point Lookout Thursday morning. As per protocol, the beach and all adjacent beaches were red-flagged for swimming, denoting a high hazard.
Local shark patrol went out to inspect local waters with a drone and a jet ski. It wasn’t clear if they were able to find it. Officials say multiple lifeguards and beach-goers confirmed the sighting.
A lifeguard spotted the shark from Point Lookout’s main chair, which is on the most crowded part of the beach. The town supervisor is expected to join that lifeguard to discuss the response at a Thursday media briefing.
There were no reports of injuries.
Sharks were also spotted down the coast, in Queens.
City officials said “multiple” sightings were causing intermittent closures at Rockaway Beach.
.@NYCParks Due to multiple shark sightings, expect intermittent beach closures at Rockaway Beach in Queens. Follow the guidance of lifeguards and on-site staff.
— NYCEM – Notify NYC (@NotifyNYC) July 2, 2026