In a startling incident over the weekend, a lifeguard at Scarborough Beach State Park in Maine was pulled underwater by a great white shark. The encounter occurred while the lifeguard was conducting a shark patrol using a rescue torpedo, when the shark grabbed the flotation device and dragged him about five to six feet below the surface.

According to Marine Resource Officer Daryen Granata, the lifeguard was able to free himself from the strap attached to the rescue device and swim back to shore safely. Although shaken by the experience, he sustained no injuries.

The incident was reported to local authorities, who noted that the circumstances were consistent with previous shark activity recorded by experts from the New England Aquarium. Following the encounter, Scarborough Beach State Park was temporarily closed to swimming for about an hour as lifeguards and public safety personnel assessed the situation and monitored the waters.

Granata indicated that there has been a significant presence of great white sharks in the waters off Scarborough Beach and Higgins Beach recently, with multiple sightings reported in nearshore areas. Beachgoers are advised to heed lifeguard instructions and beach advisories, as well as to exit the water immediately when instructed.

Officials also recommend that swimmers avoid areas where fish schools, seals, or birds are actively feeding, and to refrain from swimming alone. As families enjoy the last weeks of summer before the school year begins, awareness of shark activity is crucial for safety at the beach.