This is a “Jaws”-dropping effort.
Officials are on high alert for sharks as thousands are expected to head to Long Island beaches for Independence Day — after one predator took a bite out of a swimmer.
New York State and local authorities are beefing up shark patrols for the holiday weekend — and beachgoers will see more drones and helicopters in the air as well as shark-spotting crews stationed along the shoreline.
“Our Long Island State Park beaches are cherished by New Yorkers and visitors alike — perfect places to get offline, get outside and enjoy the outdoors,” Gov. Kathy Hochul said in a statement.
“We are continuing to strengthen our shark surveillance capabilities and safety tactics at these beaches to help protect these treasured summertime traditions,” she said. “I encourage all beachgoers to stay safe, stay alert and always follow the direction of lifeguards and park staff.”
The state has added six new drones to its shark-hunting arsenal, bringing the total to 28 — along with eight newly trained drone pilots and a high-tech drone for park police equipped with night vision, thermal imaging, and laser range-finding.
Lifeguards, marine officers, and surveillance teams from Nassau and Suffolk counties as well as state park officers will scan the waters by land, air and sea with protocols in place to pull swimmers from the ocean anytime a shark is spotted and keep them out for at least an hour after the last sighting.
On the county level, Suffolk officials told The Post that the authorities will be conducting routine monitoring.
But Nassau Executive Bruce Blakeman announced Monday that the county’s marine police would be all hands on deck with added patrols, more drones used than ever before, longer air times for helicopters, and additional boats on the water.
State park police will now be assisting both counties with added patrols of their own using the new high-tech drone to spot sharks and send out alerts that would be sent to a coastal awareness network of more than 200 agencies, beach operators, and municipalities stretching from Brooklyn and Queens to the East End.
“Our staff is well prepared to safeguard beachgoers this summer season, and we’re excited to adopt the latest technology to be even more effective,” said New York State Parks Commissioner Randy Simons.
Officials are urging beachgoers to stay close to shore, swim in groups, and avoid murky waters or areas with diving birds and schools of fish — where sharks may be lurking out of sight. Swimmers should always follow instructions from lifeguards and park staff, they said.
