Hempstead Town approves $10G for more shark detection

The Town of Hempstead has approved the purchase of shark prevention equipment through an agreement with Nassau County.

During a board meeting on Tuesday, the town approved a resolution authorizing the $10,000 purchase  of items including "water based drone and watercraft prevention equipment" designed to patrol for sharks. 

According to town documents, the purchase will address “an important public safety issue” after Long Island shark sightings have increased in recent years.

The equipment will be used at several beaches, among them Point Lookout, Lido, and Lido West beaches, according to the resolution. 

Last week, a 9-foot-long sandbar shark was spotted at Point Lookout and, an hour later, Lido Beach lifeguards reported a sand shark of the same size. A several-hour swimming ban at the beaches along the Long Beach barrier island was put into place after the sightings.

Town spokesman Brian Devine said the specific amount and timeline for the new equipment is yet to be determined.

“The town is currently in the process of evaluating its needs and will determine the specific equipment to be purchased in the near future,” Devine wrote in an email.

Devine said lifeguards have several pieces of equipment to monitor the underwater predators:  a drone, a Jet Ski, a plastic-hulled motor boat, a motorized inflatable rescue boat and four surf boats.

The incoming drones continue a push on the island for shark monitoring.

Gov. Kathy Hochul's office, in May, announced that the state will add 16 drones to its fleet of 30 off Long Island. They will be operated by state Department of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation staff.