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Swimmers at coastal state parks limited to waist-deep water following shark attack

The Bureau of Parks and Lands' current plan, assuming there is no confirmed shark activity in the vicinity of the parks, is to return to regular swimming on Aug. 3.

MAINE, USA — Article updated at 11 a.m. on Friday, July 31

Swimmers at Popham Beach State Park and Reid State Park are not allowed beyond waist-deep water until further notice.

Ferry Beach State Park and Crescent Beach State Park remain restricted to waist-deep water access too, as well as all other coastal Maine state parks.

The lagoon at Reid State Park remains open for swimming.

The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry originally announced the decision Monday. On Thursday, Popham updated its restrictions to 'no water activities.' Now, all state parks are limited to waist-deep water.

The restrictions come after a woman was attacked by a shark off of Bailey Island in Harpswell on Monday.

On Tuesday, the victim was identified as Julie Dimperio Holowach, 63, of New York City.

On Wednesday, Popham Beach State Park lifeguards alerted the Department of Marine Resources (DMR) to a possible shark sighting. Maine Marine Patrol searched the area and did not see any sharks but spotted an ocean sunfish and seals feeding on fish. 

RELATED: Shark patrols continue in southern Maine following fatal attack

Maine Marine Patrol said it has fielded reported shark sightings following Monday’s incident and there are no confirmed white shark sightings.

The Bureau of Parks and Lands says its current plan, assuming there is no confirmed shark activity in the vicinity of the parks, is to return to regular swimming on Monday, August 3.

RELATED: Harpswell shark attack victim identified as woman from New York City

Holowach was swimming with her daughter off the shore near While Sails Lane when she was attacked.

Marine Patrol said she was pronounced dead at the scene.

RELATED: A closer look at Maine's shark activity

RELATED: One woman has died from an apparent shark attack off Harpswell coast

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