Press Release
June 27, 2025
OPRHP Statement on Incident at Jones Beach State Park
New York State Parks is advising the public of an injury to a Jones Beach State Park visitor late Wednesday and results of the follow up investigation.On June 25, at approximately 4:15 p.m., a 20-year-old female park visitor was
waist deep in the surf at the Central Mall beachfront of Jones Beach State
Park when she reported being bitten by unknown marine wildlife. Jones Beach
State Park Lifeguards and Emergency Medical Technicians responded
immediately. The swimmer sustained minor lacerations to her left foot and leg
and was transported to Nassau County University Medical Center Hospital for
treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. The swimmer did not observe what
caused her injuries. Swimming was immediately suspended, and the beachfront
searched by drone for dangerous marine life, with negative results.
Swimming resumed Thursday morning. Prior to opening, Park Police and Park
staff used drones to actively search for large schools of fish and other
marine life. State Park lifeguards also scanned the waters from shore and
patrolled by surfboats and personal watercraft.
DEC coordinated with experts to assess what species may have caused these
injuries. DEC biologists reviewed situational information provided by
subjects at the scene, as well as photos of the injury, and were able to rule
out several species. However, without direct observation of the animal that
caused the bites a full expert consensus was not reached. DEC concludes this
incident most likely involved a juvenile sand tiger shark (Carcharias
taurus).
Park Police, lifeguards, and staff remain on high alert will continue to
proactively patrol by drone, PWS, and surfboats throughout the season to help
protect swimmers.
To minimize the risk of shark interactions, swimmers should:
- Avoid areas with seals Avoid areas with schools of fish, splashing fish, or diving seabirds
- Avoid swimming at dusk, night, and dawn
- Avoid murky water
- Swim, paddle, and surf in groups
- Stay close to shore, where your feet can touch the bottom
- Always follow the instructions of lifeguards and Parks' staff