MAINE, New England.- A lifeguard survived a close encounter with a white shark Saturday afternoon after the shark grabbed a rescue device and pulled the lifeguard underwater off the Maine coast.
The lifeguard was operating a rescue torpedo in the waters off Scarborough Beach State Park when the shark grabbed the device and pulled the lifeguard approximately 5 to 6 feet below the surface. The lifeguard was able to free himself from the strap attached to the rescue device and swim safely back to shore.
A bystander reported seeing the rescue torpedo subsequently rise approximately 6 to 8 feet out of the water, shortly after the lifeguard began swimming toward shore.
The encounter was reviewed and corroborated by shark expert John Chisholm of the New England Aquarium, according to the Scarborough Public Safety Team. Officials said the circumstances were consistent with other white shark activity observed in the area.
The lifeguard exited the water without further incident. Scarborough Beach State Park was closed to swimming for approximately one hour afterward while lifeguards and public safety personnel assessed the situation and monitored the surrounding waters.
Officials said a significant number of white sharks continue to be observed in waters off the Scarborough Beach State Park and Higgins Beach areas. Recent observations have included multiple sharks moving through nearshore waters and around sandbars.
The incident comes as white shark activity continues to be observed along the Maine coast, where beachgoers have been advised to remain alert when entering the water.
Officials encouraged swimmers to pay close attention to lifeguards and posted beach advisories and to immediately leave the water when instructed by lifeguards or public safety personnel. Beachgoers were also advised to avoid swimming near schools of fish, seals or areas where birds are actively feeding, as well as avoid swimming alone.
Shark activity can occur close to shore and in relatively shallow water, officials said. Beachgoers are encouraged to report shark sightings to lifeguards or local public safety personnel.
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