Shark Attack Survivor Recounts New Smyrna Beach Bite

Surviving a Shark Attack

• 🦈 Matthew Bender recounts being bitten by a shark while surfing at New Smyrna Beach, describing the sensation as like a bear trap or bolt of electricity.
• 🧠 Despite the shock, he maintained a clear state of mind, a blessing he attributes to past experiences and a prayer for safety.
• 🌊 He was paddling out on what seemed like a less sharky day, having surfed the area for nearly 30 years without major incidents.

Immediate Aftermath and Rescue

• 🩸 Upon being bitten, he saw only red and immediately focused on getting back to shore, using his surfboard to bodyboard a wave in.
• 💡 He strategically placed his arm over his head to fight gravity and potentially reduce blood loss.
• 🆘 Fortunately, a 16-year-old surfer, Ava Lavender, and her father were nearby and able to provide immediate assistance.

Critical First Aid and Recovery

• 🩹 Ava's father called 911 while Ava calmly provided her surfboard leash, which was used as a tourniquet to stop the severe bleeding.
• 🤝 Friends Jack Roush and Ruben also arrived, assisting with applying the tourniquet as instructed to control the bleeding from the arteries.
• 💪 Bender is feeling grateful for his life and potential full recovery, though he currently has nerve damage in the back of his hand, with hopes for restoration within 18 months.