Town of Hempstead mobilizes shark patrols ahead of anticipated busy beach season
Officials say lifeguards will be out in full force to keep an eye on beachgoers and patrol the waterways for sharks.
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The Town of Hempstead is mobilizing its shark patrols for the summer.
Officials say lifeguards will be out in full force to keep an eye on beachgoers and patrol the waterways for sharks.
With a record number of shark sightings over the past three years, Hempstead Town Supervisor Don Clavin, lifeguards and emergency medical technicians, shared beach safety tips, as well as advising patrons on deadly rip currents.
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“We are expecting to see large crowds at the beach all summer, and it’s important to do everything we can to keep our residents safe,” said Clavin. “Our dedicated team of lifeguards and Bay Constables will be scouring the waters for sharks and will be keeping a close eye on all patrons as they enjoy the pristine oceans of Hempstead Town.”
Officials say town lifeguards will be fully staffed to keep watch over the beaches with no limitation in service.
Town of Hempstead Shark Patrol will be routinely patrolling waterways on personal watercrafts to spot potential dangers.
This year, town lifeguards and EMTs will also utilize drones equipped with thermal and infrared vision to patrol waterways. The drones will be used every day before the beaches open to scour the seas in search of dorsal fins, and can be used during beach operations to assist with shark sightings and missing persons events.
In addition, town lifeguards have increased their watercraft fleet, adding new water vessels to respond to shark sightings.
