Swimming restrictions lifted at some Hempstead beaches after sighting of dolphin mistaken for shark

Lifeguards have lifted swimming restrictions at Hempstead beaches in Point Lookout and Lido Beach after a previous report of a shark Monday afternoon was determined to be part of a pod of dolphins., Hempstead Town officials said.

A beachgoer reported a possible shark near Lido Beach after 2 p.m. Monday by a resident who relayed the news to lifeguards. Hempstead officials said they put up red flags on the beach, restricting swimming for about an hour.

However, town officials said it was confirmed about 3:30 p.m. that no sharks were seen in the area and it was instead likely a dolphin. 

All swimming restrictions were lifted by 3:30 p.m., town officials said. 

There were no swimming restrictions at Nassau County's nearby Nickerson Beach or in Long Beach, officials said. 

Long Beach city officials said shortly after 3 p.m. that beaches would remain open until any shark sighting had been confirmed.

By John Asbury

john.asbury@newsday.comJohnAsbury

John Asbury is a breaking news and general assignment reporter. He has been with Newsday since 2014 and previously worked at The Press-Enterprise in Riverside, California.