Multiple shark sightings near one of America’s busiest beaches force closures ahead of

Millions of Americans are heading to the beach for the Fourth of July, but they are not the only ones returning to the water. 

Multiple shark sightings near one of America’s busiest beaches in New York, which attracts more than 11 million people each summer, have forced closures just days before the holiday.

A massive nine-foot shark was spotted off the coast of Point Lookout in Hempstead, in Nassau County on Long Island, on Thursday.

The New York City Parks Department also reported multiple shark sightings near Rockaway Beach and warned that the incidents could lead to intermittent closures. Beachgoers have been urged to follow instructions from lifeguards and on-site staff. 

And sharks are not the only threat keeping swimmers out of the water. 

The Nassau County Department of Health also shut down the Biltmore Beach Club in Massapequa to swimming after testing revealed bacteria levels above state safety standards. Tides Beach in Rocky Point and Ronkonkoma Beach in Ronkonkoma have also been closed for the same reason.

Health officials warned that exposure to contaminated water can cause gastrointestinal illnesses as well as infections of the eyes, ears, nose and throat.

The beaches will remain off-limits to swimmers until follow-up tests show bacteria levels have returned to acceptable limits.

This is a developing story… More updates to come. 

Multiple sightings of sharks near one of America’s busiest beaches in New York, which attracts more than 11 million people each summer, have forced closures just days before the Fourth of July (stock)