The coast of Long Island is now being monitored by a group of DJI Mavic drones to ensure the safety of beachgoers and prevent potential shark encounters.
The authorities in New York state parks have taken various measures, including the use of drones, to keep a close watch on the presence of sharks in the waters.
Shark sightings have been increasing in the northeast region, particularly off the shores of Massachusetts and New York. Previously, these encounters were rare, but last year alone saw eight reports of shark bites, and this year has already recorded five incidents.
George Gorman, the park director in Long Island, emphasizes the intensified vigilance in response to this trend. Drones are deployed to monitor the waters from above, while lifeguards on WaveRunners patrol the area for any signs of danger.
After a recent spate of human encounters with sharks off the coast of New York's Long Island, authorities have deployed boats, ski jets and a squadron of drones to look for possible signs of danger. https://t.co/fChOwtTvnb
— The Associated Press (@AP) July 7, 2023
Recently, a 10-foot shark was spotted near Robert Moses State Park, leading to a temporary closure of the park. Hence, lifeguards are using drones for three sweeping sessions per day, enabling them to observe the waters from a unique perspective that is otherwise unavailable.
Cary Epstein, a lifeguard supervisor and drone operator at Jones Beach, explains that drones provide an essential vantage point that allows lifeguards to identify sharks feeding on fish with clarity.
The elevated lifeguard stations do not offer a direct view of the water’s surface, making it challenging to detect such activities. Drones have proven their effectiveness in spotting sharks in previous instances, even saving lives.
In 2019, a photographer and YouTuber named Dan Watson used a drone to quickly evacuate his family from the water after spotting a shark.
Similarly, a drone photographer in 2022 alerted a father and his two young children to the presence of a tiger shark, and a drone photographer was commended in January for warning swimmers about an approaching great white shark.
It is important to recognize that sharks are not intentionally seeking out humans as prey, but are opportunistic predators.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), shark attacks on humans are rare and often the result of confusion or curiosity.
Nonetheless, shark attacks can pose serious risks, and authorities in New York are taking preemptive measures to protect beachgoers.
Despite current concerns, Epstein reminds us that people have been swimming in the ocean for centuries and emphasizes the need for cohabitation, as the ocean is their natural habitat.
