Swimming resumed at a couple of Long Island beaches Monday after a lifeguard participating in a training exercise at Smith Point Beach was bitten by a shark Sunday, prompting a temporary suspension of water activities.
The lifeguard was one of several in the water for a safety exercise Sunday morning the shark approached and bit the lifeguard in the chest. When the lifeguard tried to get the shark away, he hit him with his hand and was also injured in the hand.
The shark was reportedly between 4 and 5 feet long.
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The victim was able to get out of the water and up to the station where he was bandaged up before going to Southside Hospital where he was getting stitched up, Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone said. He added that the lifeguard was in “very good spirits." He is now home recovering.
Bellone said someone spotted a shark after the morning bite, but it wasn't clear if it was the same shark that attacked the lifeguard.
Lifeguards will continue to monitor the beaches with drones, paddle boards, and personal water craft, in addition to watching from the shore.
Beach officials said that the attack was only a matter of time since the number of bait fish has been increasing in recent years, lingering closer and closer to shore. These fishes are what larger ones, like sharks, like to feed on.
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This marks the first reported shark attack has taken place at Smith Point since the beach opened in 1959, according to the parks commissioner.
