Shark sightings close Rockaway Beach for swimming as NYC heat wave continues

Shark sightings pressured the Parks Division to shut Rockaway Seashore for swimming Saturday on one of many hottest days of the summer time.

“Seashore goers will not be allowed within the water right now, however the boardwalk and concessions stay open,” the division tweeted at 2:14 p.m.

1000's of New Yorkers flocked to metropolis seashores Saturday, the fifth day of a warmth wave that despatched temps hovering into the mid 90s.

Rockaway Seashore was closed to swimming after shark sightings Saturday.

Natan Dvir for NY Publish

There was a rise of shark assaults and sightings throughout New York state.

Dennis A. Clark for NY Publish

A Rockaway Seashore lifeguard stated there had been “a number of sightings” together with one round 11:00 a.m. close to the rocks at Seashore 92nd Avenue.

“I noticed one the opposite day, not as we speak,” the lifeguard stated.

Nonetheless, swimmers had been making an attempt to chill off within the ocean as guards blew their whistles to maintain them out.

“It’s onerous when there’s a heatwave. I can’t blame them for dipping their ft within the water,” the lifeguard stated.

The sightings got here on the identical day the brand new Rockaway Rocket specific ferry service started working from Decrease Manhattan to the Queens seashore.