SCARBOROUGH, Maine \u2014 A lifeguard had a terrifying experience with a great white shark in the water off a popular New England beach over the weekend.<\/p>\n
The lifeguard was operating a rescue torpedo when a shark grabbed the device and pulled the lifeguard under the water at Scarborough Beach State Park in Maine on Saturday afternoon, according to the Scarborough Police Department.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Police and witnesses say the lifeguard went about five to six feet below the surface while the rescue torpedo shot six to eight feet out of the water.<\/p>\n
There were no reported injuries during the encounter, and the lifeguard was able to free himself and swim back to shore. The beach was closed to swimming for about an hour after the incident.<\/p>\n
John Chisholm of the New England Aquarium said the shark encounter is consistent with recent activity in the area, with several reported shark sightings as far north as Bangor in recent days.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Police warned the public to beware of sharks lurking close to shore at Scarborough Beach State Park and Higgins Beach.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere continues to be a significant number of white sharks being observed,\u201d the department said in a statement. \u201cRecent observations have included multiple sharks moving through the nearshore waters and sandbar areas.\u201d<\/p>\n
Beachgoers can track recent shark sightings with the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy\u2019s Sharktivity<\/a> app.<\/p>\n Download the FREE Boston 25 News app<\/a> for breaking news alerts.<\/p>\n Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook<\/a> and Twitter<\/a>. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW<\/a><\/p>\n \u00a92026 Cox Media Group<\/p>\n