Scarborough, Maine — A routine lifeguard patrol at a popular Maine beach turned into a frightening encounter over the weekend when a great white shark grabbed a rescue flotation device and pulled a lifeguard underwater, according to local officials.
The lifeguard ultimately managed to escape the equipment and make it safely back to shore, but the incident has prompted renewed warnings for families enjoying the final weeks of summer.
Great White Shark Grabs Lifeguard’s Rescue Device
The encounter happened Saturday afternoon in the waters off Scarborough Beach State Park, according to the Town of Scarborough’s Harbor Master and Marine Resources officials.
The lifeguard was using a rescue torpedo, reportedly while participating in shark patrol activity, when the great white suddenly grabbed the flotation device.
Marine Resource Officer Daryen Granata said the shark pulled the lifeguard approximately five to six feet underwater.
The lifeguard was attached to the rescue device by a strap, but he was able to free himself from it and swim back toward shore. A bystander reportedly spotted the flotation device shortly after the lifeguard began swimming away from the area.
Lifeguard Escapes Without Injuries
Despite being pulled underwater by the shark, the lifeguard was not injured. Granata said the lifeguard was understandably shaken up after the encounter but was able to leave the water safely.
The incident could have ended much differently had the lifeguard been unable to release himself from the strap connecting him to the flotation device.
Officials immediately treated the encounter seriously, closing Scarborough Beach State Park to swimming for approximately one hour while lifeguards and public safety personnel evaluated the situation.
Teams monitored the nearby waters before allowing swimming activity to resume.
Officials Say Shark Activity Remains Significant
The latest encounter comes as officials continue observing a significant number of great white sharks in the waters near Scarborough Beach State Park and nearby Higgins Beach.
Granata said recent observations have included multiple great white sharks moving through nearshore waters and sandbar areas.
Authorities also said the circumstances of Saturday’s encounter appeared to be very consistent with other great white shark activity documented by experts at the New England Aquarium.
The presence of sharks near Maine beaches has become an important safety consideration as more families head to the coast during the summer months.
Families Urged to Follow Beach Warnings
With the 2026-27 school year approaching, many families are using the remaining weeks of summer for trips to popular beaches.
Local officials are urging visitors to remain especially alert.
Beachgoers should pay close attention to lifeguards and posted beach advisories and leave the water immediately whenever lifeguards or public safety officials issue an instruction to do so.
Officials also recommend avoiding areas where schools of fish, seals or actively feeding birds are present, since these conditions can indicate the presence of potential shark prey.
Swimmers are also encouraged to avoid swimming alone and remain aware of changing water and weather conditions.
Another Reminder of Maine’s Shark Presence
Saturday’s encounter serves as a dramatic reminder that great white sharks are active along portions of the Maine coastline.
While shark encounters remain relatively uncommon, the lifeguard’s experience shows how quickly conditions can change, even for someone trained to monitor beach waters.
For visitors planning to spend time in the ocean, officials say the best protection is awareness, following lifeguard instructions and staying informed about local advisories.
Would a great white shark encounter like this make you think twice about swimming at a Maine beach? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
