SCARBOROUGH, Maine — A lifeguard is recovering after a great white shark pulled him underwater near a popular family beach destination in Maine over the weekend, local officials said.
The Town of Scarborough Maine Harbor Master and Marine Resources said crews responded to a close encounter with a great white shark on Saturday afternoon in the waters off Scarborough Beach State Park.
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During the incident, a lifeguard was using a rescue torpedo — believed to be during shark patrol — when a great white shark grabbed the flotation device and pulled the lifeguard underwater, according to Marine Resource Officer Daryen Granata.
The lifeguard was pulled about five to six feet below the surface before being able to free himself from the strap attached to the rescue device and swim safely back to shore.
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Officials said a bystander reported seeing the flotation device shortly after the lifeguard started swimming to safety.
Authorities said the reported shark activity and circumstances surrounding the encounter are "very consistent" with other activity that's been recorded by experts with the New England Aquarium.
It comes just days before schools start up again for the 2026-27 school year, with many families trying to enjoy the last few weeks of summer.
The lifeguard was able to safely exit the water without further incident, town officials said. He was a little shaken up afterward, but luckily not injured, according to Granata.
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After the incident, Scarborough Beach State Park was closed to swimming for about an hour while lifeguards and public safety personnel assessed the situation and monitored the area.
Granata said there continues to be a significant number of great white sharks observed in the waters off the state park and Higgins Beach areas. He said recent observations have included multiple sharks moving through the nearshore waters and sandbar areas.
The Scarborough Public Safety Team is advising beachgoers to pay close attention to lifeguards and posted beach advisories, as well as immediately exit the water when instructed by lifeguards or public safety personnel.
People should also avoid swimming near schools of fish, seals or areas where birds are actively feeding. Beachgoers should also avoid swimming alone and remain aware of changing conditions, according to local officials.
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