A lifeguard who survived a tiger shark attack has come forward to recount the terrifying incident and his path to recovery. Chance Swanson, a 33-year-old ocean safety officer and surfer from Kauai, Hawaii, was bitten by a tiger shark while surfing in Hanalei Bay on November 5. Observing him from afar, local lifeguards noticed him with a significant red stain around him.
He was swiftly brought back to shore on a jet-ski with a tourniquet applied to his leg while still in the water. Despite not visually seeing the shark during the attack frenzy, Chance sensed the sudden violence of the encounter.
Recalling the ordeal, Chance expressed his immediate awareness of the shark bite, turning to prayer for survival. Following the attack, his friends quickly intervened, with one leaping off a personal watercraft to aid him and apply a tourniquet to his wounds. The beach was subsequently closed, and warning signs were put up after the shark sighting.
Continued surveillance by lifeguards was in place due to ongoing shark sightings. Chance was promptly transported to a medical facility for treatment, where he underwent emergency procedures and skin graft surgery for severe injuries, including damage to blood vessels and tendons.
Having completed what he hopes to be his final major surgery, a skin graft using tissue from his thigh, Chance expressed relief and readiness for the recovery journey ahead. Despite successful nerve repair, the timeline for healing remains uncertain, with Chance highlighting the need for sustained patience and mental resilience.
Despite the traumatic experience, Chance remains undeterred from returning to surfing and lifeguarding, emphasizing the importance of precautions such as advanced technology for safety. Reflecting on the support received, he aims to give back to the community and promote healthcare and ocean safety initiatives in Hawaii.
For those interested in contributing to Chance’s recovery, a GoFundMe page has been set up to assist with his ongoing journey.