KENNEBUNKPORT
KENNEBUNKPORT — People saw sharks near two beaches on Thursday. The beaches are in Kennebunk and Kennebunkport. Police told swimmers to be careful. Most of these sharks are young. They come to Maine to eat fish, not people. Lifeguards watch the water with drones and boats.
Why it matters: If you swim at a Maine beach, stay where a lifeguard can see you.
KENNEBUNKPORT
KENNEBUNKPORT — Police warned swimmers Thursday after sharks were seen off Gooch's Beach in Kennebunk and Goose Rocks Beach in Kennebunkport. Maine beaches from Georgetown down to Wells have had short swim closures all summer. Marine biologist Matt Davis says most sharks here are young white sharks, six to eight feet long, chasing striped bass and bluefish. The species is slowly recovering after the United States banned hunting them in the late 1990s. White sharks take 30 to 35 years to have young of their own. Scarborough Beach now patrols with jet skis and drones every day.
Why it matters: More sharks off Maine is a sign the ocean is healthier, and a good reason to swim near a lifeguard.
Sources: Portland Press Herald, Bangor Daily News
Published in Sunday, August 23, 2026 edition.