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Seasonal Shark Activity Increases in New York’s Marine Waters During Summer Months

Published

3 years ago

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The annual summer migration of sharks into New York’s coastal waters is underway and sightings of shark activity in the nearshore ocean waters is expected to increase. DEC encourages New Yorkers to be aware of their surroundings in the water and the potential for shark-human interactions and follow DEC guidelines to minimize the risk of negative interactions.

“New York State has world-class ocean beaches that are desirable destinations to many visitors during the summer months. It’s also a wild and natural marine ecosystem that supports a wide diversity of marine life, including sharks,” DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos said. “Human-shark interactions are rare events in New York. However, DEC encourages all beachgoers to respect these animals and follow shark safety guidance to minimize their risk of negative interactions with sharks.”

To reduce and minimize potential interactions with sharks, New Yorkers are encouraged to take the following steps:

  • Avoid areas with seals;
  • Avoid areas with schools of fish, splashing fish, or diving seabirds;
  • Avoid swimming at dusk, night, and dawn;
  • Avoid murky water;
  • Swim, paddle, and surf in groups;
  • Stay close to shore, where feet can touch the bottom; and
  • Always follow the instructions of lifeguards and park staff.

Humans assume risk whenever they enter any wild environment, whether on land or in the water. Although it is impossible to eliminate risk altogether, ocean users can modify their behavior to minimize potential interactions with sharks and reduce overall risk. When in the ocean, follow DEC’s shark safety guidelines to minimize the potential for negative interactions with sharks.

Sharks have existed in New York’s marine waters for millions of years. Today there are more than 13 shark species that migrate through New York’s marine waters each year. Each shark species has unique habitat and food preferences and plays an important role in maintaining a healthy and balanced marine ecosystem. Sharks can prevent other species from monopolizing limited resources and degrading the marine environment. The presence of sharks in New York’s marine waters is a positive sign of a healthy marine ecosystem. Learn more about sharks in New York by visiting DEC’s website.

Governor Kathy Hochul also recently announced enhanced shark monitoring and additional surveillance capabilities implemented this summer to protect visitors from negative shark interactions.

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Domestic Violence Can Take Many Forms — Here’s Where to Get Help

Published

2 weeks ago

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October 4, 2026

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Domestic Violence Can Take Many Forms: Resources Are Available

Domestic violence is not limited to physical or sexual abuse. It can also include psychological and emotional abuse, threats, intimidation, manipulation, and economic coercion.

Abusers may use a variety of tactics to frighten, manipulate, isolate, blame or harm victims as a way of maintaining power and control.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence or abuse, help is available. You are not alone.

If you are in immediate danger, call 911.

Domestic Violence Resources

Rockland County Center for Safety and Change
Hotline: 845-634-3344
Website: centerforsafetyandchange.org

The Center for Safety and Change provides support and resources for individuals and families affected by domestic violence and other forms of abuse.

New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence
Hotline: 1-800-942-6906
Website: opdv.ny.gov

The New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence provides information, assistance and resources related to domestic violence throughout New York.

National Domestic Violence Hotline
Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
Website: thehotline.org

The National Domestic Violence Hotline provides confidential support, information and resources for people experiencing domestic violence, as well as friends and family members seeking guidance.

If you or someone you know is being abused, reaching out for help can be an important first step. If there is an immediate threat to your safety, call 911.

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Rockland County Residents Urged to Check for Water Leaks

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2 weeks ago

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September 28, 2026

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A simple home water audit can help residents find hidden leaks, reduce water waste and lower household utility bills.

ROCKLAND COUNTY, NY — The Rockland County Water Advisory Council is encouraging residents to conduct a simple home water audit to identify hidden leaks, improve water efficiency, reduce utility costs and help protect the county’s long-term water resources.

While homeowners often focus on conserving water outdoors during the summer, indoor water use can account for a significant portion of a household’s overall water consumption. Small leaks, aging plumbing fixtures and inefficient appliances can waste thousands of gallons of water each year without being noticed.

A home water audit can help residents identify where water is being wasted and find opportunities to conserve.

Four Simple Ways to Check Your Home

The Water Advisory Council recommends that residents start by:

  • Checking the water meter: Make sure no water is being used in the home, then check the meter. Movement may indicate a hidden leak.
  • Testing toilets for leaks: Use dye tablets to check for silent toilet leaks that may otherwise go unnoticed.
  • Upgrading plumbing fixtures: Consider replacing older fixtures with WaterSense®-labeled products, which are designed to use less water while maintaining performance.
  • Inspecting irrigation systems: Check outdoor irrigation equipment for leaks, broken sprinkler heads and other problems that can waste hundreds of gallons of water during the summer.

Free Water Conservation Resources Available

Rockland County residents can also access resources designed to make water conservation easier.

Residents can visit EPA WaterSense for information about saving water at home and use educational materials available through the Rockland County Water Hero program.

Rebates are also available through Veolia for qualifying WaterSense® products. Eligible products may include select toilets, showerheads, clothes washers, irrigation controllers and rain barrels.

The Water Advisory Council is also offering free water conservation tools, including:

  • Shower timers
  • Toilet leak-detection tablets
  • Moisture meters

Supplies are limited. Residents can pick up the tools at the Water Advisory Council office, find them at community events, or request them by signing up to become an H2O Hero through the Rockland Water Hero program. Visit Rockland Water Hero

The Rockland County Water Conservation Project is funded by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.

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