HANALEI — Ocean Safety Bureau officials have confirmed that the individual bitten by a shark on the North Shore Wednesday was Chance Swanson, a lifeguard with Ocean Safety Bureau.
Swanson is continuing to undergo surgeries and remained in medical care but is in high spirits and grateful to be alive, according to a press release from the county.
Following report of the incident, on-duty lifeguards at the Hanalei Bay retrieved Swanson on his surfboard using a rescue ski. They applied a tourniquet while still in the water before loading him onto the ski and bringing him to shore.
Lifeguards continued administering first aid until American Medical Response arrived on scene and transported him to Wilcox Hospital on Kauai. Swanson was later transferred to Queen’s Medical Center on O‘ahu for further medical care.
“The Ocean Safety Bureau recognizes Chance as an outstanding lifeguard and commends the quick thinking and decisive actions of the lifeguards on duty whose professionalism and teamwork saved his life,” said OSB Chief Kalani Vierra.
Hanalei Bay remains closed due to continued shark sightings
Source: The Garden Island