# NY shark mitigation expands to police drone patrols

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/new-york-shark-sighting-mitigation
> Updated: 2026-08-01T01:53:00.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 3.

In early July 2026 New York State issued a public advisory urging beachgoers to stay “shark‑smart” as sightings rose along the coast. That month the Town of Oyster Bay secured a Community Revitalization Program grant to purchase shark‑prevention equipment, including water‑based drones, shark shields and bands, shifting the response from warnings to active mitigation.

In August, the New York Police Department’s Tactical Assistance Response Unit began operating aerial drones to detect sharks off city beaches. Detectives report the drones can identify shark silhouettes and species from about 100 yards offshore and can alert the Parks Department to close beaches within a half‑mile radius for an hour when a shark is sighted. The drones also carry inflatable flotation devices that can be dropped to swimmers in distress.

During the “shark summer,” 45 closures were recorded at Rockaway Beach and a total of 23 closures across New York state, with 16 sharks spotted between July 1‑5. A non‑life‑threatening bite occurred at Jones Beach over the Fourth of July weekend. Officials attribute the increase to both heightened shark migration and the expanded surveillance capability provided by the new drone programs, alongside warmer ocean temperatures and recovering prey populations.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-01: NYC Police Deploy Drones to Spot Sharks and Close Beaches

NYC police drones now detect sharks, enabling rapid beach closures and rescue aid; 45 closures at Rockaway and 23 statewide this season, amid heightened surveillance and warmer waters.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nyc-police-deploy-drones-to-spot-sharks-and-close-beaches

### 2026-07-28: Oyster Bay Town Secures Grant for Shark Prevention Equipment

Oyster Bay, NY, received a Nassau County grant to acquire shark‑deterrent drones, shields and bands for its beaches, aiming to boost safety amid rising sightings.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/oyster-bay-town-secures-grant-for-shark-prevention-equipment

### 2026-07-04: New York State urges beachgoers to stay shark‑smart amid rising sightings

New York officials warn beach visitors about seasonal shark migration, issuing safety guidelines and deploying drones to monitor coastal waters.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/new-york-state-urges-beachgoers-to-stay-sharksmart-amid-rising-sightings

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Cite as: NY shark mitigation expands to police drone patrols. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/new-york-shark-sighting-mitigation