Ahead of upcoming Memorial Day weekend celebrations, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announced updated measures to keep swimmers, waders and “it’s too cold” toe-dippers safe on Long Island’s beaches this summer. The announcement, released Thursday, is in response to the previous summer’s series of shark attacks on Long Island shores.
Hochul announced that additional drones are being added to Long Island State Parks’ current fleet of 17 so that drone operators can have a bird’s eye view of the shore of the water.
One of the drones, assigned to the park’s police, is equipped with thermal imaging, laser range finding, and cameras with night-time surveillance capabilities for adverse weather. The same drone can drop personal flotation devices in emergencies.
In addition to more drones, the governor announced that 11 more drone pilots would be added to the existing 29 pilots by July 4.
Hochul also announced $5 million in funds to incentivize lifeguard recruitment and retention — a response to the shortage of lifeguards in New York.
Swimming opens for the season at Jones Beach, Robert Moses and Sunken Meadow State Parks this weekend. For those foregoing beaches, the governor also announced new funding for municipal pools, including the restoration of Jones-Beach-East-Bathhouse.
