A lifeguard who survived a tiger shark attack has come forward to recount the terrifying experience and how he managed to survive. 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 Chance floating on his back with a significant red stain around him through binoculars.
He was brought back to the shoreline by jet-ski with a tourniquet applied to his leg while still in the water. Even though he couldn’t see the shark during the attack, Chance knew instantly what was happening due to the sudden and violent nature of the encounter.
Following the attack, Chance’s friends swiftly responded on a personal watercraft. One of them quickly assisted him and applied a tourniquet to his wounds. Hanalei Bay was closed, and warning signs were posted after the incident to alert beachgoers about the shark sighting.
After being rescued, Chance was transported to Wilcox Medical Center before being airlifted to Queen’s Medical Center in Honolulu for emergency treatment. Despite sustaining severe injuries, including damage to blood vessels and tendons, Chance survived the ordeal after undergoing skin graft surgery. However, he faces a lengthy recovery period as the nerves in his injured leg regenerate.
Recently, Chance underwent what he hopes will be his final major surgery – a skin graft using tissue from his thigh to close the wound. He expressed relief at completing the major surgeries as he embarks on the recovery journey. The doctor successfully repaired the severed nerve using tissue from his heel, but the healing timeline remains uncertain.
Despite the traumatic experience, Chance remains determined to return to the water as a surfer and lifeguard. He plans to take additional precautions, including using technology like a Garmin watch and a shark band to enhance safety. The shark band, a magnetic device worn on the ankle, could potentially expedite rescue efforts and deter shark attacks.
Throughout his recovery process, Chance has been touched by the outpouring of support from the community and aims to give back to those who assisted him. He emphasized the importance of supporting Queen’s hospital and ocean safety across Hawaii. Donations to support Chance’s recovery can be made through his GoFundMe page.