A white shark dragged a lifeguard 5 to 6 feet underwater at Scarborough Beach State Park after clamping onto a rescue device on Saturday afternoon, according to Scarborough officials.
Lifeguard Pulled Underwater by White Shark in Maine
The incident occurred on Saturday afternoon in the waters off Scarborough Beach State Park, according to municipal reports. A lifeguard was operating a rescue torpedo in the water when a white shark grabbed the equipment and pulled the operator beneath the surface. The lifeguard was dragged approximately 5 to 6 feet down before disconnecting from the strap attached to the device and returning to shore.
A bystander reported seeing the rescue torpedo come roughly 6 to 8 feet out of the water shortly after the lifeguard began swimming back. Scarborough Marine Resource Officer Daryen Granata stated that the reported shark activity and circumstances match other encounters documented in the region. New England Aquarium shark expert John Chisholm reviewed and corroborated the details of the encounter.
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State Park Closures Following Multiple Sightings
Following the encounter, Scarborough Beach State Park closed to swimming for about one hour while lifeguards and public safety personnel monitored the water. Officials note that white shark sightings remain frequent in the waters off Scarborough Beach State Park and Higgins Beach, with multiple sharks moving through nearshore waters and sandbar areas.
The activity extends beyond Scarborough. The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry announced that 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.
| Location | Status | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Scarborough Beach State Park | Reopened (Closed 1 hour) | Lifeguard dragged underwater by white shark |
| Reid State Park (Mile, Half Mile, East Beaches) | Closed for swimming | Numerous shark sightings over three days |
Public Safety Recommendations for Beachgoers
The Scarborough Public Safety Team urges visitors to exercise caution when entering the water, noting that shark presence is an ongoing concern. According to municipal advisories, sharks can frequent shallow water and areas close to shore.
Officials recommend that beachgoers follow specific safety protocols:
- Pay close attention to lifeguards and posted beach advisories.
- Immediately exit the water when instructed by safety personnel.
- Avoid swimming near schools of fish, seals, or active bird feeding areas.
- Never swim alone and stay alert to changing ocean conditions.
- Report any shark sightings directly to lifeguards or local public safety officers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was the lifeguard injured during the shark encounter?
Which beaches are currently closed due to sharks?
The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry reported that Mile Beach, Half Mile Beach, and East Beach at Reid State Park in Georgetown remain closed to swimming on Monday due to numerous shark sightings over the past three days. Scarborough Beach State Park reopened after a temporary one-hour closure.
How common are white sharks in Maine nearshore waters?
Marine resource officials state that a significant number of white sharks are observed regularly in nearshore waters and sandbar areas off beaches like Scarborough and Higgins.
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