Suspected shark attack as swimmer bitten at New York beach | US News

A swimmer was bitten in a suspected shark attack at a New York beach, prompting authorities to temporarily suspend swimming.

The person was in the water on Friday at Jones Beach State Park Field 6 when they suffered lacerations on their foot, officials said.

Lifeguards responded immediately and the swimmer was taken by ambulance to hospital, where they were treated for non-life-threatening injuries, they said.

Swimming at the beach where the attack happened was suspended as a search was mounted for sharks and other potentially dangerous marine life.

After an hour of searching, none were found and swimming was allowed again – though swimmers were restricted to wading up to their waists.

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The attack comes after shark sightings were reported at other beaches in New York state, in Queens and Long Island.

New York City officials on Thursday reported multiple shark sightings at Rockaway Beach in Queens and imposed intermittent beach closures.

New York City Emergency Management also issued a warning advising of the closures and urging beachgoers to follow the guidance from lifeguards.

Lifeguards at a Long Island beach also spotted a shark on Thursday in the water off Point Lookout and immediately ordered people out of the ocean.

Point Lookout and neighbouring Hempstead beaches were also temporarily closed to swimming after the sighting.

While sharks are commonly found in the waters off the US, shark bites are rare, experts say.