Shark sightings prompt temporary closure of Rockaway Beach

ROCKAWAY BEACH, Queens (PIX11) – Shark Week may be on TV, but it appears also to be happening in New York City after two sightings shut down Rockaway Beach on Thursday.

The two shark sightings were confirmed by NYPD drones patrolling the waters. Lifeguards put up red flags after the sighting, banning swimming for the day.

The first confirmed sighting happened shortly after 1 p.m. at Beach 86th Street. Less than two hours later, a second sighting was confirmed at Beach 61st Street.

Rockaway Beach had multiple confirmed shark sightings last year, with a woman bit at Beach 59th Street.

The patrols from air and land will continue into the weekend, when scorching temperatures are expected, according to the NYPD.

Erin Pflaumer is a digital content producer from Long Island who has covered both local and national news since 2018 . She joined PIX11 in 2023. See more of her work here .

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