Sharks make headlines; water is the real danger

Two incidents this past week reminded residents, visitors, law enforcement agencies, and EMS officials to be more vigilant about protecting Long Island’s waters as summer kicks into full swing.

First, a swimmer on July 3 at Jones Beach was bitten in a suspected shark attack. A day later, a 6-year-old girl drowned in a fast-moving creek in Tuckahoe.

Sharks capture people’s imaginations, but the far greater concern is the public's understanding of how to be safe in and around our many waterways. 

There were 65 unprovoked shark bites on humans in 2025 worldwide, and 25 of those were reported in the United States, according to the Florida Museum of Natural History.

Yet, every year in America, there are more than 4,000 unintentional drowning deaths, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 4.

A few simple steps can lead to safer waterways and pools.

Swimmers and boaters alike must be mindful of changing weather patterns  and the need for safety equipment.  

More rigorous enforcement of boating laws will also improve safety.

The 2025 Recreational Boating Report by the New York State Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation shows the need for Long Island law enforcement agencies to step it up.  The state report notes that the Suffolk County Police Department, which covers the western towns, logged more than 87,000 marine law enforcement hours but just 188 total citations and arrests. Southampton reported 2,792 marine law enforcement hours and 1,991 total citations and arrests. Suffolk reported 271 vessel inspections while Southampton inspected 1,095 vessels.

Nassau reported 18,311 marine law enforcement hours and 569 total citations and arrests along with 54 total vessel inspections. Oyster Bay Town reported 28,080 hours with 151 citations and arrests and 322 vessel inspections.

When boaters know their vessel will be searched for proper safety equipment and their safe boating certificate checked, they are more likely to follow laws.

The good news is that boating accidents are down 34% across the Island since Brianna’s Law — which requires operators of all motorized vessels to complete a state-approved safe boating course — was adopted, according to a Newsday news division analysis.

But constant alertness is paramount. Caregivers watching young kids must remain vigilant around pools; boaters need to be responsible; swimmers and kayakers need to account for dangerous currents. Many Long Island municipalities and EMS districts have boats to respond to emergencies but help on the water isn’t always an arm’s length away.

One of the things that makes Long Island such a wonderful place is the water, and boating and recreational water activities are big economic drivers for the region. Every drowning death — from a young child briefly unattended to a kayaker without a flotation device — is a preventable tragedy. Whether it’s a strong current in Shinnecock Bay, a swimming pool in Hempstead, a riptide at Jones Beach, or a meandering creek in Oakdale, Long Island’s waters can be dangerous.

Enjoy them with caution.