| Date of attack: | July 3rd 2022 |
|---|---|
| Location: | Smith Point Beach, Suffolk County, New York |
| Shark species: | 5'shark |
| Name of victim: | Zach Gallo |
| Sex of victim: | M |
| Activity: | Lifeguard Exercises |
| Injury: | Injuries to chest and right hand |
Long Island Lifeguard Fends Off Shark During Training Exercise
On July 3, 2022, lifeguard Zach Gallo was bitten by a shark during an ocean training exercise at Smith Point Beach in Suffolk County, New York. The incident occurred at 10:15 a.m. while Gallo was playing the role of a victim in a simulated rescue drill.
As the shark bit him, Gallo fought back, striking it three times before it swam away. He sustained injuries to his chest and right hand. Fellow lifeguards quickly assisted him, and he was able to walk out of the water unassisted. He was treated at Southside Hospital, where his wounds were sutured.
Authorities temporarily closed Smith Point and Cupsogue beaches following the attack. The shark was estimated to be between four and five feet in length.
Map showing shark attack location and nearby incidents
Nearby shark attacks
- Smith Point, Long Island, New York | 01-Jan-2007
- Fire Island Pines, Suffolk County, New York | 04-Jul-23
- Cherry Grove, Suffolk County, New York | 04-Jul-23
- Quogue Village Beach, Suffolk County, New York | 04-Jul-23
- Kismet Beach, Suffolk County, New York | 03-Jul-23
- Beach 3, Robert Moses State Park, Suffolk County, New York | 03-Jul-23
- Off Long Island, New York | 03-Jul-2010
- Jones Beach, Nassau County, New York | 30-Jun-22
- Bay Head, Ocean County, New Jersey | 07-Nov-2013
- Surf City, Long Beach Island, New Jersey | 05-Jun-2005
