The lifeguard was playing the victim during a training exercise when the shark bit him on the chest and arm, Suffolk County Sheriff Steve Bellone said at an afternoon news conference. The attack occurred at approximately 10:15 am. at Smith Point Beach. The lifeguard was receiving stitches and was in “very good spirits,” Bellone said. “If you’re going to encounter a shark, that’s probably the best case scenario you could have,” Bellone said, adding that the lifeguard received immediate treatment from other officials who had already participated in the training. “We have never had such an incident. Hopefully we never do that again.” Bellone said an additional shark was seen after the attack, although it was unclear if it was the same shark. The beach was closed to swimming for the rest of the day, but is expected to reopen Monday with officials monitoring the water for sharks.
