Several sharks were spotted prowling the waters at Rockaway Beach on the Fourth of July, prompting a stretch of the popular summer destination to close on the busy holiday weekend.
Chilling video shared on social media captured one of the beasts swimming “very close to beachgoers,” in the shallow waters off the Rockaways, officials said.
Two sharks were seen near Beach 32nd Street at about 11:30 a.m., another sighting was reported at Beach 144th Street and a third at Beach 30th Street, according to Kaz Daughtry, the Deputy Mayor of New York City for Public Safety.
One of the sharks sighted near Rockaway beach. Kaz Daughtry/X
Another shark seen in the waters near the beach. Kaz Daughtry/X
Signage on the boardwalk on Rockaway Beach. Helayne Seidman
The Beach 30th Street entrance was closed for an hour due to the scare.
“These sightings were very close to beachgoers,” Daughtry warned on X.
“But thanks to drone tech, lifeguards, and the dedicated professionals at @nycemergencymgt, we’re keeping everyone safe as they enjoy the holiday,” he added.
The terrifying sightings come as officials across the state braced for the possibility of blood-thirsty shark attacks with thousands of visitors expecting to pack the beaches this Independence Day.
Authorities are deploying a mix of drones and helicopters to keep an eye sky for the fearsome predators, along with more shark-spotting teams along the shore.
“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 Thursday statement.
Hochul reassured beachgoers that the authorities are taking every precaution to protect against attacks.
“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 beefed up its shark-fighting capacity by training eight new drone pilots, along with acquiring new tech, including six new drones for park police tricked out with night vision, thermal imaging, and laser range-finding.
Suffolk and Nassau county officials told The Post on Thursday they are taking different approaches to the potentially man-eating shark threat.
Suffolk officials will conduct routine monitoring, but Nassau County’s marine police will add patrols, deploy more drones than ever allowing for more air time for helicopters and sending more boats out into the water, according to Nassau Executive Bruce Blakeman.
“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.