Sharks sighted off 2 Hempstead Town beaches

Shark sightings Sunday afternoon forced the temporary suspension of swimming at two Hempstead Town beaches, town officials said.

The Town of Hempstead Facebook page said sharks had been spotted in waters off the Malibu Shore Club in Lido Beach and in Point Lookout.

In response, beaches at both locations were closed to swimming for an hour. No additional details about the size or type of sharks spotted were immediately available.

Town spokesman Brian Devine said shark spotters spotted at least one of the predators and reported it.

Sunday's sightings were at least the seventh and eighth in less than two weeks after none had been reported since the summer began.

State officials announced increased surveillance and drone equipment for Long Island beaches following a rash of shark sightings and reported shark bites last year.