NYPD demonstrates shark sighting technology at Rockaway Beach in Queens

July 30, 2026 - 21:36

The NYPD took to the waters off Rockaway Beach in Queens on Thursday to demonstrate new technology designed to spot sharks before they get too close to swimmers. The department's Technical Assistance Response Unit, known as TARU, showcased a specialized drone system that can identify sharks from the air and relay their positions to lifeguards and beach patrols in real time.

The demonstration comes as part of a broader effort to improve beach safety along the city's coastline, which has seen an uptick in shark sightings in recent years. TARU officers flew the drone over the surf line, showing how the camera can pick out a shark's silhouette against the sand and water. The unit can also track the animal's movement, giving officials a chance to close a beach or warn swimmers before a potential encounter.

Officials stressed that the technology is not meant to replace traditional lifeguard patrols or shark nets, but rather to add an extra layer of awareness. The NYPD has been testing the drones since last summer, and they have already been used in a handful of confirmed sightings. For now, the system remains focused on Rockaway Beach, but the department says it could expand to other city beaches if the pilot program proves effective.