COURTESY THE QUEEN’S HEALTH SYSTEMS
Kauai lifeguard and shark bite survivor Chance Swanson smiled and waved as he was discharged from Queen’s after a nearly month-long stay.
Kauai lifeguard Chance Swanson, who was admitted to The Queen’s Medical Center after surviving a shark bite at Hanalei Bay, has been released.
Queen’s shared that Swanson, 33, was discharged Monday after numerous surgeries to save his left leg.
He had a big smile as he was wheeled down a hallway at Queen’s in a wheelchair, his leg in a large cast, with staff cheering and holding balloons. He hugged the staff and thanked everyone for their care.
Swanson was bitten Nov. 5 by a shark while surfing off-duty near the Pine Trees break at Hanalei Bay, which severed a major artery in his leg.
He was initially treated at Wilcox Medical Center before being transported to Queen’s in Honolulu, where a multidisciplinary team of surgeons and other professionals performed seven procedures, including reconstructive surgery to repair damaged blood vessels, muscle, and soft tissue.
At a press conference at Queen’s last month, Swanson shared that he was grateful for all his family, friends, fellow lifeguards, doctors, and staff who have helped him through his journey to recovery.
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Doctors said a tourniquet saved his life, as he had lost a significant amount of blood before his arrival at Queen’s. They felt positive about his rehabilitation and ability to surf again, but said he faces a long recovery ahead.
Swanson’s mother, Rose Keaweamahi-Hoovler, shared in a GoFundMe update that the U-shaped shark bite measured 31 centimeters.
“Chance knows that the ocean is the shark’s territory, and he has never once blamed the shark or has never said why me, as he’s not that type of person!” she wrote. “He’s a waterman and knows the risks involved and what could happen when he enters the ocean.”
Swanson said he is looking forward to his return home to Kauai, where he will continue his recovery.
“Thank you for your prayers, love, and support,” he said. “And I’m stoked if I could help people out there, you know, uplift them, shine a light on their life, and help them realize it’s the small things in life (such as walking, brushing your teeth) that we take for granted every day that’s super important.”