Coastal communities in Carolina Beach, North Carolina, and New York City are on high alert following a surge in shark sightings. Authorities have issued warnings and advisories, urging beachgoers to exercise caution. While Carolina Beach officials emphasize safety due to increased activity and rip currents, some NYC regulars are taking the warnings in stride, accustomed to sharing the waves with marine life.
East Coast Shark Surge: Warnings Issued for Carolina Beach and NYC
Recent days have seen a notable increase in shark activity along the East Coast, prompting official warnings and advisories for popular beach destinations. Both Carolina Beach, North Carolina, and New York City beaches have reported multiple shark sightings, leading to heightened awareness among authorities and beachgoers.
Carolina Beach Under Coastal Hazard Statement
Carolina Beach has been placed under a coastal hazard statement by the National Weather Service (NWS) due to increased shark activity. This follows multiple shark sightings reported by Carolina Beach Ocean Rescue. In addition to the shark warnings, a high risk of rip currents is also in effect until 8 p.m. on July 7.
- NWS Rip Current Advisory: The NWS advises swimmers to relax and float if caught in a rip current, and to swim parallel to the shoreline if possible. They also stress swimming near a lifeguard.
NYC Beachgoers React to Shark Warnings
In New York City, particularly at Rockaway Beach, shark warnings have been issued after NYPD drones spotted sharks close to swimmers. Despite temporary beach closures and drone alerts, many local surfers and regulars appear unfazed.
- Regulars’ Perspective: Some Rockaway Beach regulars, accustomed to marine life, view the warnings with a "grain of salt," even continuing to surf alongside sharks. They note that while novice swimmers may exit the water, experienced surfers often remain.
- Drone Warnings: NYPD drones are being used to monitor the waters, though some beachgoers reportedly ignore the robotic warnings, preferring to heed lifeguards.
- Marine Life Presence: Residents acknowledge the presence of various marine animals, including whales, dolphins, and seals, which naturally attract sharks to the area.
Key Takeaways
- Increased shark activity has been observed in both Carolina Beach, NC, and NYC beaches.
- Carolina Beach has an official coastal hazard statement due to shark sightings and a high risk of rip currents.
- NYC beachgoers, particularly at Rockaway Beach, show a mixed reaction to shark warnings, with some regulars accustomed to the presence of sharks.
- Authorities in both locations are urging caution and awareness among beach visitors.
Sources
- Statement issued after increased shark activity observed in Carolina Beach surf, WECT.
- NYC beachgoers take latest shark warnings with a huge grain of salt: ‘We surf with the sharks’, New York Post.
- Statement issued after increased shark activity observed in Carolina Beach surf, WBTV.
