Overview
- A lifeguard at Scarborough Beach State Park was pulled about 5 to 6 feet below the surface when a shark grabbed his rescue torpedo, the town said, in a close encounter that happened on Saturday.
- The lifeguard freed himself from the device and swam to shore without injury, though officials described him as shaken and closed the beach to swimming for about an hour while they checked the water.
- Scarborough has reported a sustained, significant number of juvenile great white sharks near Scarborough Beach, Higgins Beach and nearby sandbars, prompting drones, closer lifeguard patrols, jet skis and temporary swim restrictions at nearby parks.
- New England Aquarium expert John Chisholm and local trackers have reviewed the sightings and say the behavior is consistent with juvenile white sharks and with seasonal patterns tied to warmer water and increased prey such as seals and baitfish.
- Officials urged beachgoers to heed lifeguards, avoid swimming near schools of fish or seals, report sightings, and expect continued monitoring as town leaders balance public access with safety.