Shark Prevention Equipment In Hempstead? A New Intermunicipal Agreement Could Make It So

HEMPSTEAD, NY — Days after a July 4 weekend that saw beaches evacuated after multiple shark sightings and a swimmer bitten by an unknown marine animal, the Town of Hempstead struck an agreement with Nassau County in relation to the purchase of shark prevention equipment.

At Tuesday’s meeting, the Hempstead town board unanimously approved an administrative calendar that featured almost 50 items. Among those agenda items was item 30, an intermunicipal agreement between Nassau County and the Town of Hempstead related to the purchasing of shark prevention equipment.

While the agenda item didn’t explicitly mention the Point Lookout shark sighting that cleared waters on July 2, or the swimmer who was bitten in the water off Jones Beach the following day, it did say having “water based drone and watercraft prevention equipment” for use at Point Lookout, Lido and Lido West beaches was “desirable, and in the public interest.”

A spokesperson for County Executive Bruce Blakeman did not respond to requests for comment Tuesday, while Town of Hempstead officials said the agreement “is meant for items such as drones and watercraft.”

"The resolution authorizes an intermunicipal agreement between the Town of Hempstead and Nassau County to accept a $10,000 grant that will be used to enhance the Town's shark prevention efforts through the future purchase of equipment such as drones and watercraft," a Town spokesperson said. "At this time, no equipment has been purchased, so there is no final cost breakdown or delivery timeline. The Town is currently in the process of evaluating its needs and will determine the specific equipment to be secured once the grant agreement is finalized.

According to Town officials, Supervisor John Ferretti had initially advocated for the $10,000 grant during his time in the County Legislature.

“As shark sightings have increased year after year throughout Long Island, this funding helps address an important public safety issue,” Ferretti’s office said.