NYC temporarily shuts down Queens beaches after sharks swim dangerously close to Fourth of July crowd

Several sharks were spotted in New York City waters on the Fourth of July prompting the city to close a temporary a stretch of beach in Queens Video shared on social media shows a sharks swimming close to beachgoers in Far Rockaway Queens The beasts were spotted at around a m near Beach nd Street Another sighting was stated at Beach th Street and a third at Beach th Street Kaz Daughtry the city's deputy mayor for general safety wrote on X RIP CURRENT BEACH RESCUES SHOW SWIMMERS FACE DEADLY RISKS WHAT TO KNOW TO STAY SAFE These sightings were very close to beachgoers But thanks to drone tech lifeguards and the dedicated professionals at nycemergencymgt we re keeping everyone safe as they enjoy the holiday Daughtry announced B was closed for an hour But is now back open We will continue to monitor the beach and keep all updated Christina Farrell the first deputy commissioner for NYC Crisis Management revealed the agency's drone unit was monitoring shark activity to keep everyone safe Earlier this week New York Gov Kathy Hochul reassured New Yorkers that personnel were taking measures to monitors sharks along the state's beaches particularly on Long Island ahead of the holiday weekend 'SHARK WEEK' HOST WARNS BEACHGOERS WHERE AND WHEN PREDATORS ARE THE BULK LIKELY TO ATTACK Our Long Island State Park beaches are cherished by New Yorkers and visitors alike perfect places to get offline get outside and enjoy the outdoors Gov Kathy Hochul noted in a Wednesday message We are continuing to strengthen our shark surveillance capabilities and safety tactics at these beaches to help protect these treasured summertime traditions she added I encourage all beachgoers to stay safe stay alert and inevitably follow the direction of lifeguards and park staff New York State Parks Commissioner Pro Tem Randy Simons stated his agency was well-prepared to keep beachgoers safe Our staff is well prepared to safeguard beachgoers this summer season and we re excited to adopt the latest device to be even more effective he explained I encourage beachgoers to follow guidance and directions from parks staff and be shark smart while enjoying their summer fun