Hawaii Lifeguard Still Recovering 11 Days After Shark Attack Describes the Moment It Struck

A Hawaii lifeguard, still recovering 11 days after a shark attack, describes the moment it struck. And he reached out to the Almighty, who answered him in an instant. Some stories feel like they belong in the pages of Scripture, where the sea roars, life hangs in the balance, and God appears in the depths.

That’s exactly how 33-year-old lifeguard Chance Swanson describes what happened the day a shark came for him in the waters off Hanalei Bay, Kauai.

It Started As a Normal Day

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It started like any ordinary Wednesday. Chance had spent the morning doing normal things—painting his bathroom, getting his car checked, heading out to catch a few waves. But within minutes, the ocean he loved turned into a fight for his life.

One moment he was paddling. The next, a powerful force clamped down on his leg with unimaginable strength.

“I couldn’t see it,” Chance said. “I just knew it was a shark.”

The Lifeguard Was Bit by a Shark

The tiger shark's bite severed the main artery and vein in his leg. Blood poured into the water as he began to lose consciousness. But even as vision faded and strength drained, one thought filled his mind: Stay awake. Ask God for help.

“I said my prayers to Jesus Christ,” he said. “I believe in God and he saved me.”

From shore, fellow lifeguards saw the red circle surrounding him and rushed out—reaching him just in time to place a tourniquet and carry him to safety. Doctors later confirmed how close he came to death. The artery in his leg had been completely severed. It was a miracle he survived long enough to reach the hospital.

Doctors Are Hopeful For His Recovery

Chance has undergone multiple surgeries and remains in recovery more than a week later, but doctors are hopeful. They say his youth, strength, and attitude are helping him heal.

And so is his faith.

He says the ocean still feels like home. He wants to surf again one day. But until then, he’s changed—not bitter, but grateful.

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“It used to be hard to tell my friends I loved them,” Chance said. “Now it’s so easy.”

Sometimes the miracle isn’t just surviving—it’s how our hearts change when we do.

Psalm 118:17 “I will not die but live, and will proclaim what the Lord has done.”

WATCH: Hawaii Lifeguard Still Recovering 11 Days After Shark Attack Describes the Moment It Struck

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h/t: People

Featured Image Credit: YouTube/Hawaii News Now

Heather Riggleman is a believer, wife, mom, author, social media consultant, and full-time writer. She lives in Minden, Nebraska with her kids, high school sweetheart, and three cats who are her entourage around the homestead. She is a former award-winning journalist with over 2,000 articles published. She is full of grace and grit, raw honesty, and truly believes tacos can solve just about any situation. You can find her on GodUpdates, iBelieve, Crosswalk, Hello Darling, Focus On The Family, and in Brio Magazine. Connect with her at www.HeatherRiggleman.com or on Facebook.