Great White Drags Lifeguard Under at Scarborough Beach
Shark Encounter at Scarborough Beach: What Happened and How to Stay Safe
What Happened on Saturday?
Imagine you’re at the beach, and a lifeguard is practicing safety drills in the water. That’s exactly what was happening at Scarborough Beach State Park in Maine on a Saturday afternoon — until a white shark (also called a great white shark) showed up.
Here’s the simple version of what went down:
- A lifeguard was using a rescue torpedo — a floating safety device shaped like a tube that lifeguards hold onto while swimming to help people.
- Suddenly, a white shark grabbed the rescue torpedo and pulled the lifeguard underwater.
- The lifeguard was dragged down about 5 to 6 feet (that’s as deep as a tall grown-up standing on another grown-up’s shoulders!).
- Thanks to quick thinking, the lifeguard unclipped the strap connecting them to the torpedo and swam safely back to shore.
- A person watching from the beach even saw the torpedo fly 6 to 8 feet out of the water after the lifeguard let go — like a big splashy jump!
Important Point: The lifeguard was not bitten or injured — the shark went for the equipment, not the person.
Experts Confirm It Was a White Shark
Scarborough’s Marine Resource Officer, Daryen Granata, said the details match what we know about white shark behavior. She added that shark expert John Chisholm from the New England Aquarium reviewed the report and agreed it was a white shark.
So this wasn’t a guess — it was confirmed by people who study sharks for a living.
What Did the Beach Do Right After?
- Closed swimming for about one hour — no one was allowed in the water.
- Lifeguards and safety teams watched the water closely to make sure the shark had moved on.
- Reopened only when they felt it was safe again.
Sharks Are Still Around — This Isn’t a One-Time Thing
Officials want everyone to know: white sharks are regularly seen near Scarborough Beach and nearby Higgins Beach.
Recent sightings include:
- Multiple sharks swimming close to shore
- Sharks moving through sandbar areas (shallow, sandy parts of the ocean floor near the beach)
- Sharks spotted in nearshore waters (the water close to land, not way out in the deep ocean)
Important Point: Sharks can be in shallow water, close to the beach — not just in deep ocean.
6 Safety Steps for Every Beachgoer
If you’re heading to the beach in this area, follow these rules to stay safe:
- Listen to lifeguards and read posted signs — they know what’s happening in the water right now.
- Get out of the water immediately if a lifeguard or safety officer tells you to.
- Don’t swim near:
- Big groups of fish (sharks eat them)
- Seals (a favorite shark snack)
- Birds diving and feeding (means fish — and maybe sharks — are there)
- Never swim alone — always have a buddy.
- Stay alert — conditions change fast (tides, waves, wildlife).
- See a shark? Tell a lifeguard or park staff right away.
Other Beaches Affected Too
It’s not just Scarborough. The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry closed three beaches at Reid State Park in Georgetown on Monday:
- Mile Beach
- Half Mile Beach
- East Beach
Why? Lots of shark sightings over the past three days. They’re staying closed until it’s safe.
KEY TAKEAWAYS — READ THIS!
- A lifeguard was pulled underwater by a white shark grabbing a rescue device — not the person.
- The lifeguard escaped safely by unclipping the strap.
- Experts confirm it was a white shark.
- White sharks are common in this area right now, close to shore.
- Follow all lifeguard instructions and avoid swimming near seals, fish schools, or feeding birds.
- Some nearby beaches are closed until further notice.
Summary
A lifeguard at Scarborough Beach had a scary but non-injury encounter with a white shark that grabbed their rescue torpedo and pulled them under. The lifeguard freed themselves and swam to shore safely. Experts confirm it was a white shark, and officials say these sharks are frequently seen near the shore in this area right now. Several beaches have been temporarily closed. Stay alert, follow lifeguard rules, and avoid areas where sharks might be hunting.
FAQ: Your Shark Safety Questions Answered
Was the lifeguard bitten?
No. The shark grabbed the rescue torpedo, not the lifeguard. The lifeguard was pulled under by the strap but unclipped it and swam away unharmed.
Why are sharks so close to the beach?
Sharks follow their food. Seals, fish, and other prey often hang out near shore — especially around sandbars — so sharks come there too.
Is it safe to swim at Scarborough Beach now?
It depends on the day. Always check with lifeguards first. If they say it’s okay and no advisories are posted, it’s likely safe — but stay alert.
What should I do if I see a shark?
Get out of the water calmly and quickly, then tell a lifeguard or park ranger immediately. Don’t splash or panic.
Are all Maine beaches closed because of sharks?
No. Only specific beaches with recent sightings are closed (like the three at Reid State Park). Others are open but with extra caution advised.
