Town Of Hempstead Lifeguards Get Better Prepared To Handle Shark Bites

POINT LOOKOUT, NY — Amid a serious shark bite in the Rockaways, and other shark bites off the shores of Long Island, the Town of Hempstead is taking a proactive measure to protect beachgoers.

The town is teaming with NYU Langone to provide special emergency training for lifeguards.

"They embrace this extra training with a badge of honor," Supervisor Don Clavin told Patch.

The "Stop the Bleed" seminar equips participants with the necessary skills and knowledge to quickly address shark bites, including how to make tourniquets.

"In the event of a shark attack, or any sort of cut, they can save a life," Clavin said.

More than 20 Town of Hempstead lifeguards will take part in the training, along with many town EMTs, to have a better emergency response to the shark threat.

The town also uses a Shark Patrol with drones, and other measures, to identify sharks.

"Residents know we're taking every precaution to make sure they can have an enjoyable, safe time at the beaches," Clavin said. "This is just another layer to give [them] confidence when they go to the water. Their biggest concern should be getting a sunburn and let us worry about their safety."