Shark sighting briefly closes beach at Reid State Park
Swimming was not permitted at Reid State Park in Georgetown for about an hour and a half on Thursday due to a shark sighting.
The town announced in a social media post around 1:30 p.m. that swimming was closed due to the sighting, but updated around 3:10 p.m. to say parkgoers could swim once again.
“If you are going to be in or on the water, stay alert and be aware of your surroundings,” the town cautioned
The town also shared tips from the Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands on how to be “shark smart.”
The bureau encourages all oceangoers to follow lifeguard instructions, signs and warning flags at beaches at all times. Sharks can hunt in shallow water and near steep drop-offs and sand bars, the bureau says, so swimmers and paddlers are advised to avoid seals, schools of fish and areas where people are fishing, as well as murky or low-visibility water. Excessive splashing and shiny jewelery can also attract sharks if they mistake those signs for prey.
The bureau also advises people to always swim, paddle, kayak or surf in groups.
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Tagged: Reid State Park, shark
Drew is the night reporter for the Portland Press Herald. He previously covered South Portland, Scarborough and Cape Elizabeth for the Sentry, Leader and Southern Forecaster. Though he is from Massachusetts,. More by Drew Johnson
