A man was injured in a suspected shark attack while swimming off Long Island, New York, prompting lifeguards to clear the water during one of the busiest beach days of the summer.
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The incident occurred at Jones Beach State Park's Field 6 at around 12 p.m. local time on Friday, July 3.
Witnesses said the man emerged from the ocean bleeding heavily from his foot. He then collapsed on the sand, prompting an urgent emergency response.
Shark Attack Investigation Underway in New York
Lifeguards quickly rushed to the man's aid, administering first aid before emergency responders transported him to Nassau University Medical Center.
Officials said the victim suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
"Bandaged him up and he was transported to Nassau University Medical Center. We immediately brought everybody in from the water," State Parks Regional Director George Gorman said.
According to ABC7 and NBC New York, an estimated 100,000 people were visiting the Nassau County beach when the incident occurred.
A spokesperson for the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation said the man's injury was significant and appeared consistent with a possible bite from a shark's tooth.
Witnesses said lifeguards immediately ordered everyone out of the water after spotting the injury.
Swimming Resumed After Hour-Long Search
Officials temporarily suspended swimming while authorities searched the surrounding waters for sharks or any other potential dangers.
"After no sharks or other dangerous marine life were observed for an hour, swimming was reauthorized but restricted to wading up to swimmers' waists," the state parks office said in a statement.
Authorities continue to investigate the incident, and officials have not confirmed whether a shark was responsible for the man's injuries.
The suspected attack came after several other shark-related incidents along New York's coastline.
Earlier Friday morning, Rockaway Beach in Queens closed for about an hour following a possible shark sighting.
The day before, officials spotted a shark estimated to be between eight and nine feet long near Point Lookout in Nassau County.
New York City Emergency Management also warned beachgoers of "multiple shark sightings" at Rockaway Beach on July 2. Visitors were advised to expect intermittent beach closures while authorities monitored the water.
