SCARBOROUGH, Maine (WGME) — Officials say a white shark dragged a lifeguard underwater at Scarborough Beach State Park.
According to Scarborough officials, a lifeguard had a close encounter with a white shark on Saturday afternoon in the waters off Scarborough Beach State Park.
Officials say a lifeguard was operating a rescue torpedo in the water when a white shark grabbed the rescue device and pulled the lifeguard underwater.
The lifeguard was pulled approximately 5–6 feet below the surface before being able to free himself from the strap attached to the rescue device and swim safely back to shore.
A bystander also reported seeing the rescue torpedo come approximately 6–8 feet out of the water, shortly after the lifeguard had begun swimming back toward shore.
“The reported shark activity and circumstances surrounding the encounter are very consistent with other activity we have seen and have been reviewed and corroborated by shark expert John Chisholm with New England Aquarium,” said Scarborough Marine Resource Officer Daryen Granata.
The lifeguard was able to get out of the water without further incident. Following the encounter, Scarborough Beach State Park was closed to swimming for approximately one hour while lifeguards and public safety personnel assessed the situation and monitored the surrounding waters.
“There continues to be a significant number of white sharks being observed in the waters off the Scarborough Beach State Park and Higgins Beach areas. Recent observations have included multiple sharks moving through the nearshore waters and sandbar areas,” Granata said.
The Scarborough Public Safety Team reminds beachgoers that the presence of white sharks in the area is an ongoing concern and encourages everyone to use caution when entering the water.
Beachgoers are encouraged to:
- Pay close attention to lifeguards and posted beach advisories.
- Immediately exit the water when instructed by lifeguards or public safety personnel.
- Avoid swimming near schools of fish, seals, or areas where birds are actively feeding.
- Avoid swimming alone and remain aware of changing conditions.
- Understand that shark activity can occur close to shore and in relatively shallow water.
- Report any shark sightings to lifeguards or local public safety personnel.
The Town of Scarborough says it will continue to monitor shark activity in the area.
The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry says Mile Beach, Half Mile Beach and East Beach at Reid State Park in Georgetown will remain closed to swimming on Monday due to numerous shark sightings over the past three days.