Leah Stewart returns to beach three months after shark attack
Shark attack survivor Leah Stewart returned to the beach more than three months after losing her arm.
Shark attack survivor Leah Stewart has taken a major step in her recovery by returning to the beach and putting her feet in the water for the first time since the attack. The 34-year-old primary school teacher walked hand-in-hand with her daughter on Tuesday, more than three months after a 4-metre great white shark mauled her at Coogee Beach.
Stewart said the milestone happened naturally when she realised she was no longer overwhelmed by fear. Stewart was swimming between the flags when the shark attacked, biting her legs and arms.
Surf lifesaver Charlie Verco paddled through blood-filled water to bring her back to shore. She spent 10 days in a coma and underwent surgery to amputate one arm.
During her return visit, Stewart also spotted the Shark Bite Kit that had been used to save her life.
- 34 years old
- Victim age
- 4 metres
- Shark size
- 10 days
- Days in coma
- More than 3 months
- Time to beach return
Why it mattersHer recovery shows how trauma survivors can rebuild their lives and reclaim what they love, offering hope to others facing life-changing injuries.
AustraliaStewart's journey demonstrates the effectiveness of emergency response and the Shark Bite Kit initiative now rolled out across Australian beaches.
Corroborated by7news.com.au
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 1 h ago
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