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Safety recommendations include:

• Avoid swimming near schools of fish, seals or diving seabirds.
• Stay out of murky water where visibility is poor.
• Avoid entering the ocean at dawn, dusk or nighttime, when sharks are generally more active.
• Swim in groups whenever possible.
• Remain close to shore and always obey lifeguard instructions.

Officials emphasize that shark encounters remain extremely rare despite the recent sightings.

Bacteria Prompts Additional Beach Closures

Sharks are not the only concern affecting Long Island beaches.

The Nassau County Department of Health temporarily closed swimming areas at Biltmore Beach Club and Philip Healey Beach in Massapequa after routine water testing detected bacteria levels above New York State safety standards.

Health officials said the elevated bacteria levels were likely caused by stormwater runoff following heavy rainfall.

Exposure to contaminated water can increase the risk of gastrointestinal illnesses and infections involving the eyes, ears, nose and throat.

Swimming will remain prohibited until follow-up testing confirms that bacteria levels have returned to acceptable standards.

More Beach Closures: Biltmore Beach Club and Philip Healey Beach

Biltmore Beach Club is a private waterfront recreation facility located in Massapequa, offering swimming, boating and family-oriented amenities during the summer season.

Nearby Philip Healey Beach, a public beach operated by the Town of Oyster Bay, is a popular destination for local residents seeking calm waters, picnic facilities and waterfront recreation along the South Shore of Long Island.

Both beaches are periodically monitored by health officials throughout the summer to ensure water quality meets state health standards before swimmers are allowed to return.

Additional swimming advisories were also issued for Tides Beach in Rocky Point and Ronkonkoma Beach in Ronkonkoma after similar bacteria concerns.

Officials say the advisories will be lifted only after laboratory testing confirms that water quality has improved and the beaches are once again safe for public use.

Relevant Links

• New York City Parks – Rockaway Beach: https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/rockaway-beach-and-boardwalk
• Nassau County Department of Health: https://www.nassaucountyny.gov/1669/Health-Department
• New York State Department of Environmental Conservation: https://dec.ny.gov/
• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Sharks: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/