Great White Drags Lifeguard Under at Scarborough Beach
Lifeguard Has Close Encounter with White Shark at Maine Beach
What Happened at Scarborough Beach?
Imagine you’re at the beach on a nice summer day. Suddenly, a lifeguard who’s trying to keep everyone safe gets pulled underwater by a great white shark! That’s exactly what happened on Saturday afternoon at Scarborough Beach State Park in Maine.
Here’s the simple breakdown:
- A lifeguard was using a rescue torpedo (a special floating device lifeguards use to save people)
- A white shark grabbed the rescue torpedo and pulled the lifeguard down
- The lifeguard went 5–6 feet underwater — that’s about as tall as a grown-up!
- The lifeguard managed to unclip the safety strap and swim safely back to shore
- A person watching from the beach saw the torpedo shoot 6–8 feet up into the air after the shark let go
Important Point: Shark expert John Chisholm from the New England Aquarium checked the details and said this matches other shark behavior they’ve seen in the area.
What Happened Next?
- The lifeguard got out safely — no injuries reported!
- The beach closed for swimming for about one hour
- Lifeguards and safety teams watched the water carefully before letting people back in
- Officials reminded everyone that white sharks are still nearby
Why Are There So Many Sharks Right Now?
According to Marine Resource Officer Daryen Granata, there have been lots of white sharks spotted recently:
- Multiple sharks swimming close to shore
- Sharks moving through sandbar areas (shallow underwater hills of sand)
- Activity at both Scarborough Beach and nearby Higgins Beach
Important Point: This isn’t a one-time thing — shark presence is an ongoing concern for this area.
Other Maine Beaches Affected
It’s not just Scarborough! The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry closed swimming at Reid State Park in Georgetown on Monday because of shark sightings over the past three days:
- Mile Beach
- Half Mile Beach
- East Beach
Safety Tips for Beachgoers
Officials want everyone to stay safe. Here’s what YOU should do:
DO These Things:
- Listen to lifeguards and read all posted signs
- Get out of the water IMMEDIATELY when told to by lifeguards or safety staff
- Swim with a buddy — never alone
- Stay aware — conditions can change fast
- Tell a lifeguard if you see a shark
AVOID These Things:
- Swimming near schools of fish (sharks eat them!)
- Swimming near seals (sharks’ favorite snack)
- Areas where birds are diving and feeding (means fish — and maybe sharks — are there)
- Thinking you’re safe just because water is shallow or close to shore — sharks can be there too!
Summary
A lifeguard at Scarborough Beach State Park had a scary but non-injury encounter with a white shark that grabbed their rescue torpedo and pulled them underwater briefly. The lifeguard escaped safely by unclipping their strap. Experts confirm this matches known shark behavior in the area, where multiple white sharks have been spotted recently in shallow, nearshore waters. Several Maine beaches have temporarily closed due to shark activity. Officials urge all beachgoers to follow lifeguard instructions, avoid swimming near wildlife activity, and report any shark sightings immediately.
FAQ
How common are shark encounters in Maine?
While still rare, white shark sightings have increased in recent years along the Maine coast, especially in summer when seals (their food) are abundant.
Was the lifeguard hurt?
No! The lifeguard freed themselves from the torpedo strap and swam to shore safely with no reported injuries.
Why did the shark grab the torpedo?
Sharks often investigate objects with their mouths. The torpedo likely looked or moved like prey (such as a seal) to the shark.
Is it safe to swim at these beaches now?
Beaches reopen after safety checks, but shark presence is ongoing. Always follow lifeguard instructions and posted advisories.
What should I do if I see a shark?
Stay calm, exit the water smoothly, and tell a lifeguard or safety officer immediately. Don’t splash or panic — that can attract attention.
