Lifeguard Survives Tiger Shark Attack in Hawaii

Chance Swanson, a 33-year-old marine safety officer and surfer from Kauai, has shared his harrowing experience of surviving a tiger shark attack while surfing in Hanalei Bay on November 5th.

While he was in the water, a local lifeguard observed him floating on his back, noticing large red spots around him through binoculars.

Rescue efforts quickly began; they placed him on a rescue ski and applied a tourniquet while still in the water before bringing him to shore.

Swanson sustained serious injuries that affected his blood vessels and tendons. After initial treatment at Wilcox Medical Center, he was airlifted to Queen’s Medical Center, where he required a ventilator.

Against the odds, he survived emergency care and underwent skin graft surgery. His recovery is expected to take up to a year as the nerves in his leg heal.

Despite the trauma, Swanson expressed he has no hesitation about returning to the water as both a lifeguard and surfer. He plans to do so once he regains full function of his leg and passes his annual physical.

Swanson mentioned that he intends to take extra precautions going forward. “I think I’m going to buy a Garmin watch and a shark band,” he noted, suggesting these tools could have enhanced his safety and possibly expedited his rescue.

Feeling the urgency of the situation, Swanson said, “If I had that feature, I think I could have gotten help sooner.” The shark band, he explained, connects to the ankle and supposedly repels nearby sharks.

Reflecting on the suddenness of the attack, he remarked, “I knew I was bitten by a shark without even seeing it.” His instinctive response was to pray, requesting help or an easier transition to the afterlife.

Fortunately, two friends responded immediately with personal watercraft, with one jumping in to assist him and applying a tourniquet to his injury.

Following the incident, Hanalei Bay was closed, with signs warning of no swimming due to ongoing shark sightings, as lifeguards continue to monitor the area.

Recently, Swanson underwent what he hopes will be his last significant surgery: a skin graft to close the wound using tissue from his thigh.

He expressed relief at completing the major surgery but acknowledged the uncertainty of his healing process. “My nerve was cut pretty bad, but they were able to find it and weld part of my heel back together,” he explained.

The timeline for recovery remains unpredictable; it could take a long time for the nerves to regenerate completely. “It could take weeks, months, or even a year, depending on how quickly the nerves grow,” he elaborated.

The traumatic experience has made a lasting impact on him, with memories replaying in his mind. However, he found solace in realizing the community’s support, stating, “I didn’t realize how much I was loved and how many people reached out to me. It was overwhelming in a good way.”

Swanson is now more vocal about the need for improved support for first responders and healthcare facilities, emphasizing, “We need more people to support ocean safety at Queen’s Hospital and all of Hawaii’s islands.”

To assist with his medical expenses, Swanson’s mother has started a GoFundMe page.