Lifeguard bitten by shark grateful to be alive

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 f