A swimmer was bitten by a shark on the foot at Jones Beach in Queens, New York, on Friday, following a series of recent shark sightings in the area. Authorities reported additional shark sightings nearby, including at Rockaway Beach and Points Lookout. The incidents occurred amid a record-breaking heatwave that had drawn large numbers of residents to Queens' beaches.

While sharks are common along the eastern coast of the United States, encounters in the heavily trafficked and polluted waters near New York City are unusual. In response to the increased sightings, several beaches were closed temporarily to ensure public safety. Officials have attributed the rise in reported shark activity in part to the expanded use of drones for monitoring marine life, which may have improved detection rather than indicated a genuine increase in shark populations.

Marine researcher Gavin Naylor noted that unprovoked shark bites worldwide number between 60 and 80 annually, highlighting the relative rarity of such incidents. Local authorities continue to monitor the situation closely as beachgoers return to the water.