Drone technology seemed to contribute to an unusual number of shark sightings along Rockaway Beach in recent days. Each time swimmers were ordered out of the ocean.

But in 2023, a swimmer at Rockaway was bitten by a shark and badly injured. New York City officials responded by expanding the use of drones to monitor the waters and order swimmers to the shore when sharks are spotted.

NYC reports more shark sightings at beaches due to increased drone surveillance, leading to temporary beach closures.