Americans are not the only ones heading to the beach this week.
The first onshore shark was spotted lurking off the coast of Long Island on Monday, just days after New York officials told beachgoers to stay alert as sightings of the apex predators often peak around the Fourth of July.
Footage captured by Joanna L Steidle shows a hammerhead shark swimming not too far from the white, sandy beach filled with people enjoying the day.
‘I captured the 1st onshore shark sighting off the coast of New York for the season!’ Steidle shared on X.
The shark sighting came as a dangerous heat wave baked much of the eastern US, with forecasters warning that sweltering temperatures and tropical humidity could send heat indexes soaring as high as 115 degrees.
As millions of Americans seek relief from the oppressive conditions over the July 4 holiday, beaches are expected to be packed.
With the upcoming holiday, New York officials are urging beachgoers to avoid areas where seals, schools of fish or diving seabirds are present, stay out of murky water and avoid swimming at dawn, dusk or at night.
Swimmers, surfers and paddlers are also encouraged to stay in groups, remain close to shore and always follow the instructions of lifeguards and park staff.
Footage captured by Joanna L Steidle shows a hammerhead shark swimming not too far from the white, sandy beach filled with people enjoying the day
Joanna L Steidle captured the shark while flying a drone over the ocean on Monday
Hammerhead sharks are not typically seen close to shore, but they are known to travel through the waters off Long Island.
While sightings remain uncommon, experts say they have become more frequent during the summer months as ocean temperatures rise.
The sharks are most often reported along southern Long Island, especially off the South Shore, where they tend to appear from summer into early fall.
They are drawn to the area by large schools of baitfish, including menhaden, also known as bunker, which move through New York waters during the warmer months.
The species most commonly spotted in the region is the smooth hammerhead, which can occasionally be seen cruising off the coast.
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has released updated guidance to ‘reduce the risk of human-shark interactions,’ cautioning swimmers that 13 shark species are now returning to the region.
The annual migration typically runs from June through September as ocean temperatures rise.
However, sightings often peak around the Fourth of July when sharks and their prey, including bunker fish, move closer to shore.
‘Human-shark interactions are rare here, but DEC urges beachgoers and water enthusiasts to follow shark safety guidelines to reduce risk and help keep New Yorkers safe this summer,’ DEC Director of Marine Resources Martin Gary said.
The shark sighting came as a dangerous heat wave baked much of the eastern US, with forecasters warning that sweltering temperatures and tropical humidity could send heat indexes soaring as high as 115 degrees
New York recorded just one confirmed unprovoked shark bite in 2025.
The incident happened on June 27 at Jones Beach State Park, when a 20-year-old swimmer suffered minor, non-life-threatening cuts to her leg after being bitten by a juvenile sand tiger shark.
Despite the lone bite, shark sightings remained frequent throughout the summer, with numerous encounters reported off Long Island and New York City beaches as expanded marine patrols and drone surveillance spotted more predators near shore.
Nationally, there were 28 reported shark attacks in 2025, with Florida accounting for more than half of them at 15 incidents.
New York’s single bite marked a sharp decline from the heightened shark activity seen along the state’s coastline in 2022 and 2023.
Governor Kathy Hochul said in May: ‘As summer approaches, New York State is preparing to safely welcome millions of visitors to our Long Island State Park beaches.
While hammerhead sightings remain uncommon in Long Island, experts say they have become more frequent during the summer months as ocean temperatures rise
‘We continue to improve our surveillance capabilities to monitor for dangerous conditions and help protect beachgoers. I encourage all visitors to remain alert and adhere to the guidance of lifeguards and park staff when visiting the beach.’
Officials have significantly expanded shark surveillance efforts this summer, with lifeguards, Park Police and park staff using drones to scan the water for sharks and large schools of fish that could attract them closer to shore.
A total of 47 drone operators are certified across Long Island State Parks, including lifeguards, police officers and park employees.
Another 20 operators are expected to complete certification by the Fourth of July, bringing the total number of trained drone pilots to 67.
State officials have also added 16 new drones to their fleet, increasing the number of aircraft used during peak beach season to 46.
