08/10/2026
For Immediate Release
August 10, 2026
White Shark Encounter at Scarborough Beach State Park
Scarborough, Maine — The Scarborough Public Safety Team is reporting a close encounter with a white shark that occurred Saturday afternoon in the waters off Scarborough Beach State Park.
During the incident, a lifeguard was operating a rescue torpedo in the water when a white shark grabbed the rescue device and pulled the lifeguard underwater. The lifeguard was pulled approximately 5–6 feet below the surface before being able to free himself from the strap attached to the rescue device and swim safely back to shore. A bystander also reported seeing the rescue torpedo subsequently come approximately 6–8 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 we have seen and have been reviewed and corroborated by shark expert John Chisholm with New England Aquarium.
The lifeguard was able to exit the water without further incident. Following the encounter, Scarborough Beach State Park was closed to swimming for approximately one hour while lifeguards and public safety personnel assessed the situation and monitored the surrounding waters.
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. 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.
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.
The Town of Scarborough will continue to monitor shark activity in the area and will provide additional public information as conditions warrant.
The safety of residents and visitors remains our highest priority.
For additional information, please contact:
Daryen Granata
Marine Resource Officer
Town of Scarborough
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (207) 730-4356
Scarborough Maine Police Department
Town of Scarborough, Maine
