SCARBOROUGH, Maine – A great white shark grabbed a lifeguard’s rescue device and pulled the lifeguard underwater Saturday afternoon off Scarborough Beach State Park in Maine, according to the Scarborough police department.
Officials say the lifeguard was operating a rescue buoy in the water when the shark grabbed the flotation device and pulled him approximately 5 to 6 feet below the surface. He was able to free himself from the strap attached to the buoy and swim safely back to shore.
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A bystander reported seeing the rescue buoy launch approximately 6 to 8 feet out of the water shortly after the lifeguard began swimming back to shore. Shark expert John Chisholm with the New England Aquarium reviewed the reported activity and corroborated the encounter.
The lifeguard was then able to swim to shore. Scarborough Beach State Park closed to swimming for about an hour following the encounter while lifeguards and public safety personnel assessed the situation and monitored the surrounding waters.
Officials say a significant number of white sharks have been observed in the waters off Scarborough Beach State Park and Higgins Beach. Recent sightings have included multiple sharks moving through nearshore waters and sandbar areas.
What beachgoers should know
The Scarborough Public Safety Team is urging beachgoers to use caution when entering the water, noting that shark activity remains an ongoing concern in the area.
Officials are asking people to pay close attention to lifeguards and posted beach advisories and to immediately exit the water when instructed. Swimmers are also advised to avoid areas near schools of fish, seals or where birds are actively feeding, and to avoid swimming alone.
The town reminds the public that shark activity can occur close to shore and in relatively shallow water. Any shark sightings should be reported to lifeguards or local public safety personnel.
The Town of Scarborough says it will continue to monitor shark activity and provide additional information as conditions warrant.