Surf Leash Used in Rescue of Shark Attack Victim

Surfers at San Onofre State Beach in California recount aiding the victim
By Gina Carey,  Newser Staff
Posted Apr 30, 2017 4:42 PM CDT
Shark Attacks Woman in Popular Cali Surf Spot
A sign warns beach goers at San Onofre State Beach after a woman was attacked by a shark in the area Saturday, along the Camp Pendleton Marine base in San Diego County, Calif. The beach remained closed Sunday.   (Laylan Connelly/The Orange County Register via AP)

An unidentified woman was attacked by a shark Saturday while swimming at “Churches,” a popular surf spot in Orange County, California. Two surfers towed the victim in on their board, reports the Orange County Register, traversing slippery rocks before safely pulling her ashore. Several surfers on the scene administered first aid to the victim before she was airlifted to a nearby hospital.

“Her hamstring was gone,” says 29-year-old Thomas Williams, who recently completed EMT training and used a surf leash as a tourniquet. "If she didn’t receive immediate care, it was life-threatening.” The victim’s current condition is unknown, while San Onofre beach remains closed through Monday morning. She is believed to be in her 30s, reports NBC San Diego. (More surfers stories.)

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