A great white shark swimming close to shore pulled a lifeguard underwater at a Maine beach over the weekend, according to officials who warned beachgoers of the “significant” number of apex predators in the area.
A lifeguard at Scarborough Beach State Park had a very close encounter with a shark Saturday afternoon.
The lifeguard was using a rescue torpedo in the water when a white shark grabbed the rescue buoy and pulled him underwater.
The lifeguard was pulled about 5 to 6 feet below the surface before being able to free himself from the strap, and swim safely back to shore.
This shark incident comes as numerous sharks have been spotted close to the Maine coastline, as the apex predators hunt for seals. In 2020, a 63-year-old woman was killed by a shark off the Maine coast.
“There continues to be a significant number of white sharks being observed in the waters off the Scarborough Beach State Park and Higgins Beach areas,” the Town of Scarborough Maine Harbor Master and Marine Resources posted on Monday. “Recent observations have included multiple sharks moving through the nearshore waters and sandbar areas.
“The Scarborough Public Safety Team reminds beachgoers that the presence of white sharks in the area is an ongoing concern and encourages everyone to use caution when entering the water,” the town added.
With the incident over the weekend, a bystander reported seeing the lifeguard’s rescue torpedo come about 6 to 8 feet out of the water, shortly after the lifeguard had begun swimming back toward shore.
The reported shark activity and circumstances surrounding the encounter are very consistent with other activity off the beach, and have been reviewed and corroborated by shark expert John Chisholm with the New England Aquarium.
“This is a good reminder that white sharks can be found throughout New England and the Canadian Maritimes this time of year,” Chisholm wrote. “Please be ‘Shark Smart’ and review shark safety guidelines before going in the water.”
The lifeguard was able to exit the water without further incident.
Following the encounter, Scarborough Beach State Park was closed to swimming for about an hour while lifeguards and public safety personnel assessed the situation, and monitored the surrounding waters.
“The Town of Scarborough will continue to monitor shark activity in the area and will provide additional public information as conditions warrant,” the town posted. “The safety of residents and visitors remains our highest priority.”
Meanwhile off the Cape, shark alerts have been lighting up the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy’s Sharktivity app in recent weeks.
For instance, a shark alert was issued on Monday for a white shark off Truro’s Head of the Meadow Beach.
Beachgoers are encouraged to:
— Pay close attention to lifeguards and posted beach advisories.
— Immediately exit the water when instructed by lifeguards or public safety personnel.
— Avoid swimming near schools of fish, seals, or areas where birds are actively feeding.
— Avoid swimming alone and remain aware of changing conditions.
— Understand that shark activity can occur close to shore and in relatively shallow water.
— Report any shark sightings to lifeguards or local public safety personnel.
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