There are more than 13 shark species that will migrate through New York waterways, according to the Department of Environmental Conservation. That migration is happening right now between June to September, and efforts are being ramped up to protect swimmers.
Eyewitness News got mixed reactions from beachgoers at Jones Beach on whether they are concerned or not.
"I'm 92 years old; I couldn't give a damn, I love the ocean," said beachgoer Nergesh Tejani.
Tejani loves the feeling of hopping into the ocean and says she isn't worried about sharks, but her kids do keep an eye on her when she's out for a swim.
"My children do; they look out for me, but I'm reckless," Tejani said.
Other beachgoers were more skeptical.
"I stay close to the shoreline, and I keep an extra eye out, definitely," said one beachgoer.
"I did worry last week. I was watching two little ones and I'm like, 'oh god, if I see a shark, what am I going to do?'" said another beachgoer.
Last year, there was one person bit by a shark at Jones Beach, according to the State Department of Environmental Conservation.
"We have seen them reasonably regularly over the last several years," said George "Chip" Gorman, Jr., Long Island regional director for the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.
To help reduce risks when swimming, the DEC has released "shark smart" safety guidance.
"Only swim in protected areas," Gorman, Jr. said. "Listen to the lifeguards. Be mindful of your surroundings. Swim with a buddy."
He advised swimmers to be aware and said they are constantly monitoring for sharks from the lifeguard stand to a bird's eye view.
"I'll scan the immediate shoreline, and from there I'll work my way out a little bit," said Cary Epstein, a supervising lifeguard at Jones Beach.
This year, there are 46 drones on the Jones Beach fleet. They help lifeguards spot large sea animals and the fish they may be following.
"Looking for sharks is like a needle in the haystack, what you are really looking for is large pods of bait and bunker fish," Epstein said.
Thirteen different shark species are currently making their summer migrations, including great whites and hammerheads. Officials say swimmers should be aware.
"We're using the technology, if you look you shall find, and there are sharks in the ocean, don't be surprised about that," Epstein said.
There have been no reported shark sightings at Jones Beach this year.
You can find a list of shark safety tips and guidelines on the state's website.
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