A perfect day of swimming on Long Island came to an abrupt end Saturday with a shark sighting at Nickerson Beach, the latest in a record number of encounters with the apex predator.
Lifeguards at Nassau County Park on the island’s south shore spotted the fin about 75 feet from shore and quickly closed the beach, the Town of Hempstead announced at about 12:30 p.m.
Nearby Malibu and Lido beaches were also closed.
“Our skilled lifeguards remain vigilant and will continue to closely monitor our waters to ensure your safety,” the town said in a post.
The scare didn’t last long, and bathers were allowed back into the water after a few hours. According to local reports.
Temperatures in the area exceeded 90 degrees Saturday, along with high humidity.
This sighting, 7 Foot Shark It was discovered at Lido Beach in July and became a hot topic.
Hempstead Mayor Don Clavin announced last month that the town had activated its shark patrol after seeing record numbers of sharks over the past few years.
Patrols are monitoring the waterways with drones equipped with thermal and infrared imaging and responding to sightings with new convoys, according to a press release.
An increase in shark sightings continues along New York City beaches and the North Shore of Long Island.
There have been 13 recorded shark bites on Long Island in the past two years alone.
