Context:

A 20-year-old woman was bitten by a young sand tiger shark while swimming at Jones Beach in Long Island, New York, leading to minor injuries and heightened alert among lifeguards. The incident prompted an immediate search for marine life using drones, and swimming was temporarily suspended until the area was deemed safe. Despite the bite, experts emphasize that shark attacks are rare and often result from mistaken identity by juvenile sharks. Officials and biologists, without direct sightings, cautiously identified a juvenile sand tiger shark as the likely culprit based on situational analysis and injury photos. Notably, shark attacks have declined globally, with the U.S. recording fewer incidents compared to previous years, although it still leads the world in unprovoked shark bites.

Dive Deeper:

• The incident at Jones Beach involved a young woman swimming in waist-deep water when she was bitten on her left foot and leg, resulting in non-life-threatening injuries. Lifeguards and EMTs responded quickly, and the woman was transported to the hospital for treatment.

• In response to the incident, swimming at the beach was suspended as officials used drones to search for dangerous marine life. The search initially yielded no results, but continued monitoring ensured the area was safe before reopening.

• Experts suggest that the bite was likely from a juvenile sand tiger shark, as these creatures sometimes mistake humans for prey. This conclusion was reached through analysis of the situation and injury photos, although no consensus was achieved due to the lack of direct observation.

• The incident occurs amidst a general decline in unprovoked shark attacks worldwide, with 47 incidents recorded in 2024, significantly lower than the previous year and the 10-year average. The U.S. had the highest number of attacks, with 28 incidents, but this was almost a third lower than in 2023.

• To ensure safety, park police, lifeguards, and staff remain vigilant, employing drones, personal watercraft, and surfboats to patrol the area throughout the swimming season. Despite this vigilance, experts reiterate that the risk of shark attacks remains low.