Several Shark Sightings Near Point Lookout, Jones Beach Halts Swimming

POINT LOOKOUT, NY — A pair of sharks were spotted by a lifeguard on Friday morning off Nickerson Beach. Additionally, Town of Hempstead Supervisor Don Clavin said at least five sharks were spotted on Friday at Jones Beach, causing closures as well.

Clavin said Nickerson Beach was closed to swimming until 1:30 p.m.

He said beachgoers were allowed knee-deep in the water until they could determine that sharks were no longer in the vicinity.

The town said the shark patrol, including people on jet skis, is proactively keeping an eye on the ocean for sharks.

Clavin said they've seen different species of shark recently, including a bull shark, more common in South America.

"By them coming up here, it's dangerous in that these are sharks that are very aggressive and actually prefer to come closer to shore," Clavin said.