NEW YORK (PIX11) \u2013 Days ahead of Memorial Day weekend, the unofficial start to summer, New York officials are letting the public know they will be monitoring the waters for sharks.<\/p>\n
Sharks and other marine life are usually active along New York beaches, especially in areas of Long Island and Queens, as the water warms.<\/p>\n
These animals will be monitored throughout the summer, New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced Thursday.<\/p>\n
Discover more local reporting on our homepage <\/a><\/p>\n Last year, in 2025, there were 25 confirmed unprovoked shark bites on humans in the United States, according to the Florida Museum of Natural History<\/a>, which monitors shark attacks.<\/p>\n New York State had one case of an unprovoked shark attack, according to the data.<\/p>\n Sharks<\/p>\n New York City and the surrounding areas are home to roughly 25 species that frequent the area, according to the Wildlife Conservation Society<\/a>.<\/p>\n Monitoring the waters<\/p>\n Lifeguards, Park Police, and park staff actively patrol the beachfront, using drones to search the water for sharks or large schools of fish that may attract them.<\/p>\n There are currently 47 drone operators certified within Long Island State Parks.<\/p>\n An additional 20 operators are completing certification and testing to be certified by July 4, bringing the total to 67, according to officials.<\/p>\n Make PIX11 your preferred news source on Google: Here\u2019s how <\/a><\/p>\n \u201cWe look forward to welcoming beachgoers to our parks for the summer \u2014 and visitor safety remains our top priority,\u201d New York State Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation Commissioner Kathy Moser said. \u201cThrough enhanced monitoring technology, expanding drone operations, and highly trained staff, we are continuing to strengthen our ability to proactively respond to changing ocean conditions and help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all.\u201d<\/p>\n Shark safety guidance<\/p>\n New Yorkers are advised to avoid areas with schools of fish, avoid swimming at night and dawn, and avoid murky water. Swim, paddle, and surf in groups. Stay close to shore, where your feet can touch the bottom.<\/p>\n While entering any wild environment carries some level of risk, human-shark interactions remain rare in New York, according to officials.<\/p>\n For more information, click here<\/a>.<\/p>\n Matthew Euzarraga is a multimedia journalist from El Paso, Texas. He has covered local news and LGBTQIA topics in the New York City Metro area since 2021. He joined the PIX11 Digital team in 2023. You can see more of his work here<\/a>. <\/p>\n Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.<\/p>\n