Kaua‘i first responders honored for life-saving efforts following November shark attack

Kaua‘i first responders were honored by county officials during a proclamation ceremony Thursday for rescuing an off-duty ocean safety officer during a shark attack in November.

The ceremony highlighted the efforts of personnel from the Ocean Safety Bureau, Kaua‘i Police Department dispatch, Kaua‘i Fire Department and American Medical Response following the attack at Waioli Beach Park in Hanalei that left Chance Swanson with life-threatening injuries.

“Our first responders put themselves in harm’s way every day to protect our community, and this incident shows their courage, skill, and teamwork at its very best,” said Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami. “We are deeply grateful for their dedication, and for the lives they save not only of the public but also of one another.”

At approximately 3:11 p.m. on Nov. 5, Swanson, an off-duty Ocean Safety Bureau Officer II with 7 1/2 years of service, was surfing alone at the middles surf break when he was bitten by the shark, according to a press release from Kaua‘i County.

The lifeguards at Pinetrees Tower spotted Swanson floating in distress. The North ski was activated and rushed to investigate. Immediate lifesaving actions were taken to save Swanson, including bleeding control measures.

Swanson was brought to the beach at Pinetrees Tower, where additional personnel met him and began treating his injuries. Basic life support was provided on scene before Swanson was transported to Wilcox Hospital by American Medical Response personnel, and later to Queen’s Medical Center on O‘ahu.

“I am incredibly grateful to be here today,” Swanson said. “I wouldn’t be alive without the quick thinking, skill, and selfless actions of the lifeguards, dispatchers, firefighters, and medical personnel who responded that day.

“From the moment help arrived in the water to the care I received on shore and at the hospital, every person played a critical role. I’m thankful to my Ocean Safety family, our partner agencies, and everyone who stepped in without hesitation. This experience has given me a deeper appreciation for life and for the incredible team we have here on Kaua‘i.”

Ocean Safety Bureau lifeguards Mattaniah Milbrand, Ocean Safety Officer II with 10 1/2 years of service, Kesava “Kawai” Davis, Ocean Safety Officer II with 12 years of service, Dustin “Koa” Williams, Ocean Safety Officer II with 3 years of service, and North District Captain Tyrus Siale with 13 1/2 years of service performed a rapid assessment, applied a tourniquet in the water to control catastrophic bleeding, and safely transported Swanson to shore.

The Ocean Safety Bureau plays a vital role in protecting Kaua‘i’s beaches, providing lifeguard services, public safety education, and rapid emergency response to ensure the safety of both residents and visitors.

Kaua‘i Police Department dispatchers Johanna Gulla, Emergency Services Dispatcher II with 5 years of service, Lauryn “Kulu” Ohai, Emergency Services Dispatcher I with almost 1 year of service, and Christina Chong Tim, Emergency Services Dispatcher III with 19 years of service coordinated the multi-agency response, ensuring resources were deployed quickly and communication among all responders remained clear and effective.

Kaua‘i Fire Department units from Hanalei Station, including Captain Gavin Kennelly with 24 years of service, Operator John Cornell with 19 years of service, Firefighter I Ryo Shintani with 7 years of service, Firefighter I Drew Nakahara with 7 years of service, and Firefighter I Steven Genualdi with 7 years of service, provided immediate emergency medical support upon arrival. Their preparedness and teamwork helped ensure continuity of care for Swanson during this critical time.

American Medical Response personnel Samuel Evans, Operations Supervisor with 14 years of EMS experience and 8 years of service with AMR Kaua‘i, who happened to be off duty and immediately jumped into action, Kelly Ching, Paramedic with 15 years of service, and Chelsea Doi, EMT with 3 years of service, delivered advanced medical treatment, stabilization, and transport to Wilcox Medical Center and later The Queen’s Medical Center on O‘ahu.

The immediate application of a tourniquet and the coordinated efforts of all responding agencies were decisive in saving Swanson’s life. He later described the responders as a “dream team,” crediting them with saving his life.

Through this proclamation, the County of Kaua‘i honors all the first responders for their actions that day and for their ongoing commitment to keeping Kaua‘i’s community safe.

“Their dedication exemplifies the highest standards of training, courage, and teamwork and serves as a powerful reminder of the vital role first responders play in protecting both the public and each other,” the release states.