By 5 Towns Central Staff

LONG BEACH, N.Y. (July 3, 2026) — Swimming was temporarily suspended at Long Beach on Thursday after a shark was spotted offshore, prompting lifeguards to clear the water as a precaution during the busy Fourth of July holiday weekend.

The incident followed an earlier sighting of an approximately 9-foot shark near Point Lookout, where lifeguards immediately raised red flags and ordered swimmers out of the water. Officials later suspended swimming at Long Beach after the shark was seen in the area.

Lifeguards, assisted by drone operators and Jet Ski patrols, monitored the shoreline while searching for the animal. After no additional shark activity was observed for the required period, officials determined it was safe to reopen the beaches to swimmers.

Authorities emphasized that the closures were precautionary and that no injuries were reported. Shark sightings tend to increase during the summer months as warmer waters and schools of bait fish draw marine life closer to shore.

Beachgoers are urged to follow all instructions from lifeguards and exit the water immediately if a shark is spotted. Officials say enhanced patrols using drones and other surveillance equipment will continue throughout the holiday weekend.