Suffolk Health Commissioner warns bathers to be cautious following shark attack

The Suffolk County Commissioner of Health Services Dr. James Tomarken warned beachgoers to be cautious when bathing at ocean beaches following a shark attack at Atlantique Beach on Fire Island in the Town of Islip. The Department was informed at about 1 pm yesterday, July 18 by Islip Town officials that a young swimmer on a boogie board had been bitten on the leg.   

As a precautionary measure, health officials at 1:20 pm contacted all ocean beach operators to advise lifeguards to observe the waters for sharks. Suffolk County Police were notified and have a dispatched a helicopter to the area.

“As the Suffolk County Department of Health Services monitors all permitted bathing beaches in Suffolk County for bacteria and any situation that may be harmful to human health,” said Dr. James Tomarken.

Residents and visitors to Suffolk County are advised to call their local beach operators to find out if their local beach is closed to bathing. For beaches that come under the jurisdiction of Suffolk County, contact Suffolk County Parks: 631-854-4949.