A lifeguard who survived a tiger shark attack has come forward to share his experience. Chance Swanson, a 33-year-old ocean safety officer and surfer from Kauai, Hawaii, was bitten by a tiger shark while surfing at Hanalei Bay on November 5. Local lifeguards spotted him floating with a significant red stain around him and rescued him with a jet-ski, applying a tourniquet to his leg while still in the water.
Despite not seeing the shark during the attack, Chance immediately recognized what was happening and prayed for survival. Friends quickly responded, with one applying a tourniquet before he was taken to the shore. Hanalei Bay was closed, and warning signs were posted after the incident.
Following the attack, Chance was rushed to medical facilities for treatment. He endured severe injuries, including damage to blood vessels and tendons, but managed to survive after surgery. He faces a long recovery period as his nerves regenerate in his injured leg.
Recently, Chance underwent a skin graft surgery using tissue from his thigh to close the wound, marking a significant step in his recovery journey. Despite the challenges, Chance remains positive and expressed his intent to return to surfing and lifeguarding once fully healed.
While acknowledging the support he received, Chance aims to give back to the community and raise awareness about safety measures. He emphasized the importance of supporting medical facilities and ocean safety in Hawaii. For those interested in supporting Chance’s recovery, a GoFundMe page has been set up to assist him on his path to healing.
