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Long Island County Announces Increased Shark Patrols and Safety Measures Following Suspected Shark Bite
A county in Long Island, N.Y. is ramping up security measures to protect beachgoers from sharks and other risks in the ocean
After a suspected shark bite incident took place at a Long Island beach on June 25, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman held a press conference on June 30 to announce increased patrols of the waters
The safety measures will help identify sharks and other dangers such as riptidesAfter a suspected shark bite occurred on Long Island, N.Y., local executives are ramping up safety measures to keep beachgoers safe this summer. They even put on a demonstration to show how secure they feel in the waters.
On Monday, June 30, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman held a press conference at Nickerson Beach in Lido Point to announce plans for patrols by air and sea to watch out for sharks.
To prove that he felt safe, he even took a dip in the ocean for the cameras.
Blakeman was joined at the press conference by County Parks Commissioner Darcy Belyea and County Police officials, according to News 12 Long Island.
'We will have our helicopters out. We will have drones out. We will have our beach patrols out. The lifeguards will be out. We will do everything to keep you safe. We'll have boats on the water,' Blakeman said, via local outlet
'There are sharks in the water,' he added, via the New York Post. 'We are increasing our patrols this summer on the oceans as we do every summer, but we're putting up more drones than we have before, keeping our helicopters in the air longer, and our boats on the water longer.'
Increased safety measures come after a 20-year-old woman was bitten by what experts believe was a young sand tiger shark while visiting Jones Beach, according to News 12. The incident took place on June 25 and left the woman with "minor cuts to her left leg and foot."
Officials were unable to locate the shark in the waters after the incident.
Blakeman addressed the situation and his safety measures via a statement on Facebook.
"Following a recent shark bite incident at Jones Beach, I announced increased patrols by our outstanding Nassau County Police Department Marine & Aviation units to keep everyone safe," he wrote. "Our waters are not only safe — they're beautiful! Took my first dip of the season today and it was fantastic. Come enjoy all that Nassau County's shores have to offer!"
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The patrols will also help identify other seaside risks such as riptides, which Blakeman also warned beachgoers to be aware of while in the waters.
'Rip currents will pull you out to sea and can sweep you away, even if you're a strong and experienced swimmer,' he said, urging anyone stuck in one to seek help from a lifeguard. 'They will come out to assist you. Raise your hand, wave your hand if you're in trouble, but do not try to fight the rip current. That will not help you.'
Read the original article on People
