Woman likely bitten by shark at New York’s popular Jones Beach

A 20-year-old woman sustained minor injuries after being likely bitten by a juvenile shark while swimming at Jones Beach State Park on Long Island, New York. The incident occurred when the woman was waist-deep in the water, and she experienced lacerations to her left leg and foot. State officials reported that her injuries were not life-threatening, and she received appropriate medical treatment following the incident. Although the woman did not see the shark, experts who examined photographs of her injuries believe the bite likely came from a juvenile sand tiger shark. In response to the incident, swimming was temporarily suspended, but operations resumed the following morning after a thorough inspection of the water by drones and lifeguards. To ensure the safety of beachgoers, patrols to monitor the presence of dangerous marine life will continue throughout the summer season.

Despite the attention that shark bites receive in the media, such occurrences are relatively rare. The International Shark Attack File noted that there were 47 confirmed unprovoked shark bites globally last year, averaging around 64 annually between 2019 and 2023. Among these, seven were fatal. In 2024, there have already been 28 unprovoked shark attacks in the United States, with Florida accounting for half of these incidents. Interestingly, New York had not reported any shark bites this year until this recent incident. In 2022, however, the area experienced a series of five attacks within just two weeks, which drew significant media coverage. This highlights the importance of ongoing safety measures and public awareness regarding marine wildlife while enjoying beach activities.