Long Island Lifeguard Fights off 5ft Shark-Punches it Repeatedly, NY officials close beach

New York beaches have been shut down after multiple shark attacks were reported. Following the shutdown, a lifeguard was attacked and injured by a shark during a training session last weekend. As per reports, Zachari Gallo, the lifeguard was playing the role of a victim when a 5ft shark attacked and bit him in the chest and arm. The incident happened on the Smith Point Beach, New York, at 10:15 am.

Reportedly, after the shark attacked him, Zachari started to punch the giant aquatic predator, before it spun back and left. Describing the attack to the media, Zachari said that during the exercise, he felt a sharp pain and a rubbery texture, which indicated that it was a shark. He further added that he was happy to be home, though he wanted to back to his duties as soon as possible.

Steve Bellone, Suffolk County Executive, informed that Gallo was in good spirits and had a few stiches, but he hoped that such incidents don’t occur again. Bellone also mentioned that there was another shark sighting after the attack, though it wasn’t clear whether it was the same one that attacked Zachari. The beach was closed for swimming following the incident, but is expected to reopen on Monday after a thorough monitoring.


Last week, a 37-year-old man was attacked by a shark while swimming on Jones Beach, Long Island, as reported by the Nassau County Police Department. Likewise, 17-year-old Bethea Addison was attacked by a shark at a Florida beach, who was then saved by her brother. Following these attacks, authorities have ensured that they will be ramping up beach patrols, including a new team designated as ‘shark patrols’, especially after a fisherman reported seeing a 10ft shark.

According to the Nassau County officials, shark attacks are extremely rare off the Long Island, though the frequency has been growing. Experts are attributing the rise in shark attacks to the restrictions imposed due to the COVID19 pandemic.