A lifeguard escaped after a shark grabbed his flotation device and pulled him underwater at Scarborough Beach on Aug. 10, 2026 [1].
This incident highlights the unpredictable nature of shark encounters in New England waters, where such aggressive behavior toward safety equipment is rare but dangerous.
Greg Wilfert, 71 [2], was performing his duties at the Maine state park when the animal targeted his gear. The shark was attracted to the flotation device and seized it, dragging Wilfert beneath the surface [3], reports said. He managed to break free and escape the encounter.
Reports on the number of sharks in the area vary. Some sources said a single great white shark was responsible for the encounter [1]. However, other reports indicate that drone surveillance revealed a seven-shark surge off the Maine coast during the incident [4].
Scarborough Beach is a popular destination on the coast of Maine, and the event has drawn attention to the presence of large predators in the region. Local authorities and beachgoers have been alerted to the sighting of the great white shark [1].
Wilfert's experience serves as a harrowing reminder of the risks faced by beach safety personnel. While the lifeguard survived the encounter, the event underscores the volatility of marine wildlife interactions in public swimming areas [3].
“The shark was attracted to his flotation device and seized it, pulling him underwater.”
The discrepancy between reports of a single shark and a larger surge suggests a potential increase in predatory activity along the Maine coast. While the attack was focused on equipment rather than the person, the presence of multiple great white sharks in a high-traffic public area may lead to increased surveillance and revised safety protocols for state parks in the region.
