Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
Shark attacks lifeguard during training at Smith Point beach
By
Phil Corso
Published Jul 3, 2022
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
Getty Images
By
Phil Corso
Published Jul 3, 2022
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
A lifeguard participating in a training exercise at Smith Point beach on Fire Island was bitten by a shark Sunday morning, officials said.
Ten-year veteran with the county Zach Gallo was playing the role of a victim in the water around 10:15 a.m. when he was attacked by what he said was a roughly five-foot-long shark, suffering injuries to his chest and hand. Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone said medics were able to respond quickly because crews were already on-guard, thanks to the training exercise.
"If you are going to have an encounter with a shark, this is probably the best scenario that you can have," Bellone said.
Gallo was able to walk out of the water after initially calling for help. He was taken to Southside Hospital for further treatment. Bellone said the victim was recovering well in the hours after the incident.
For the rest of Sunday, Bellone said he expected Smith Point beach to remain closed to swimming. The same was true for Cupsogue Beach County Park in Westhampton, where the county also prohibited swimming due to "dangerous marine activity."
Tagged
smith point beach
Phil Corso
Phil Corso is the evening news editor at WNYC/Gothamist. Got a tip? Email [email protected].
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
NYC’s horse carriage drivers feel betrayed as lawmakers set to abolish industry
Central Park's horse carriage drivers are making their last stand as city lawmakers prepare to abolish the industry.
By
Liam Quigley
Published Oct 21, 2026 at 6:00 a.m. ET
Parents grumble as NYC schools chancellor dodges calls for NYC schools integration plan
Journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones said she felt disappointed by the lack of details.
By
Jessica Gould
News
Parents grumble as NYC schools chancellor dodges calls for NYC schools integration plan
Journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones said she felt disappointed by the lack of details.
By
Jessica Gould
Driver found with apparent gunshot wound on George Washington Bridge, officials say
By
Charles Lane
16 arrested in New York auto insurance fraud crackdown involving nearly $500K
By
Giulia Heyward
Coney Island's small, 1890s lighthouse may be landmarked by the city
By
Catalina Gonella
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .