Shark Pulls Maine Lifeguard Underwater at Popular Beach
Listen to the story
A lifeguard in Maine has described being pulled underwater by a shark, in an incident he called "too close for comfort." He said a great white shark dragged him about five feet below the surface.
The frightening encounter happened at a popular family beach on the East Coast of the United States. The beach is known as a summer destination for many visitors.
After the attack, local officials warned the public that shark sightings in the area have been increasing. This means more sharks have been seen near the coast recently.
Experts say rising numbers of certain fish and seals near the coast may attract sharks closer to shore. Great white sharks are known to migrate along the East Coast during warmer months.
The lifeguard's experience has raised concerns among beachgoers and lifeguard teams. Officials are now urging swimmers to stay alert and follow safety guidance near the water.
Beach authorities often use spotter planes, drones or boats to look for sharks near popular swimming areas. These tools help them warn swimmers quickly if a shark is nearby.
Although shark attacks on humans are rare, incidents like this one remind people that the ocean can still be unpredictable. Officials say safety should always come first.
The lifeguard is reported to be safe after the frightening encounter. Local officials continue to monitor the coastline for further shark activity this summer.
Vocabulary10 words
- lifeguard
- a person who watches swimmers and helps if there is danger
- dragged
- pulled with force
- East Coast
- the part of the U.S. next to the Atlantic Ocean
- sightings
- times when people see something, like an animal
- migrate
- move from one place to another, often with the seasons
- authorities
- people or groups in charge of managing an area
- unpredictable
- hard to know what will happen next
- encounter
- an unexpected meeting, sometimes dangerous
- monitor
- watch closely over time
- alert
- paying close attention and ready to act
Quiz
Answer key
1. A shark dragged him underwater 2. Increasing shark sightings 3. True
Fill-in-the-blank listening
Play the audio again and fill in the missing words as you listen.
A lifeguard in Maine has described being pulled _____ by a shark, in an incident he called "too close for comfort."
He said a great white shark _____ him about five feet below the surface.
The frightening _____ happened at a popular family beach on the East _____ of the United States.
After the attack, local officials warned the public that shark _____ in the area have been increasing.
Great white sharks are known to _____ along the East Coast during warmer months.
Beach _____ often use spotter planes, drones or boats to look for sharks near popular swimming areas.
Officials say safety should always come first, and continue to _____ the coastline this summer.
Discussion questions
- Why do you think great white sharks come closer to the coast during certain months?
- How do you think beach officials can keep swimmers safe from sharks?
- Would this news make you more careful about swimming in the ocean? Why or why not?
- What other safety measures do you think beaches should use to warn people about sharks?
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