Shark Sightings Near Shore Temporarily Close Queens Beaches on Fourth of July

A relaxing Fourth of July outing turned tense for beachgoers in Far Rockaway, Queens, when multiple sharks were spotted swimming dangerously close to the shore, prompting officials to temporarily close portions of the beach to ensure public safety.

The first sighting occurred around 11:30 a.m. near Beach 32nd Street, where a shark was observed cutting through the shallow waves within sight of swimmers and sunbathers. Moments later, similar reports came in from Beach 144th Street and Beach 30th Street, highlighting a concerning pattern of shark activity along the coastline.

Videos quickly circulated on social media showing the unmistakable silhouettes of sharks just feet from the shoreline, capturing the attention of both beachgoers and city authorities. The response was swift. Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Kaz Daughtry confirmed that Beach 30th Street was temporarily closed for an hour, but thanks to a coordinated effort involving lifeguards, emergency management personnel, and drone surveillance, the area was soon deemed safe and reopened.

Daughtry emphasized the critical role that drone technology played in quickly identifying the sharks and helping lifeguards make informed decisions. “These sightings were very close to beachgoers,” he stated, adding that real-time aerial monitoring allowed the city to act fast without causing unnecessary panic or confusion.

Christina Farrell, the first deputy commissioner for NYC Emergency Management, echoed this sentiment, explaining how the agency’s drone unit remained on high alert throughout the day. The goal was not only to respond to sightings but also to maintain continuous observation to prevent surprises and reassure the public.

The shark sightings came just days after New York Governor Kathy Hochul assured residents that shark surveillance efforts were being intensified, especially ahead of the busy holiday weekend. With summer in full swing, beaches across Long Island and New York City see a surge in visitors, raising the importance of proactive safety measures.

Governor Hochul emphasized that Long Island State Park beaches are beloved spots for recreation and relaxation. “We are continuing to strengthen our shark surveillance capabilities and safety tactics,” she said, urging beachgoers to stay alert, follow lifeguard instructions, and remain cautious while enjoying the water.

Acting New York State Parks Commissioner Randy Simons added that the department was well-prepared and equipped to respond to such situations, with enhanced monitoring systems and trained staff ensuring a safe environment for all.

While shark sightings are not uncommon during summer, especially in warmer coastal waters, their proximity to shore and the timing during a holiday gathering made this incident particularly alarming. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and thanks to quick coordination between city departments and advanced technology, the situation was contained without major disruption.