Inspired young hero plans to surf 301 straight days after horrific shark attack: “The lifeguard who came he was like, ‘yeah, I can see your lungs through your back!’”

Mike Tyson would be proud.

We’ve all, at this point, imagined being out and getting hit by a shark and easy to say, “Oh, I wouldn’t let it affect me. I’d be right back out there as soon as I’m healed…” but much different to say than to do. The great Mike Tyson famously said, “Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the face,” and getting big in the torso by a shark carries much more gravitas which is what makes Encinitas’s Keane Hayes much impressive.

Heroic even.

The then thirteen almost fourteen year old was diving for lobster off Beacons beach when he was viciously mauled. According to San Diego’s local ABC affiliate, when he was brought to the beach, the lifeguard said, “Yeah, I can see your lungs through your back.”

A very chill lifeguard.

The boy was life-flighted to Rady’s Children’s Hospital and underwent multiple surgeries including getting over 1000 stitches but even that didn’t stop him. Now sixteen, he is committed to surfing 301 consecutive days.

“I think we’re on day 170. It’s also just a personal goal just to surf a ton and be in the water fishing or doing whatever. Honestly, it just kind of feels natural you know, like I’m not pushing it, I’m not scared,” he told the news outlet.

He is also committed to helping others overcome their own fears.

“Going with Bethany Hamilton and pushing girls without arms, like amputees, like that’s…. it’s, I can’t even describe it, it’s just so much fun and feels good to help them.”

Heroic altogether.

Mike Tyson would be proud.