A training outing on the Savannah River turned into an emergency when triathlon coach Jonathan Bruney said a 4- to 5-foot alligator bit his arm during preparation for Ironman Augusta, according to WRDW/WAGT.
Bruney, 31, of Charlotte, told WRDW/WAGT he reacted on instinct, got the animal to let go, and later received medical care.
Here's what to know
Bruney told WRDW/WAGT he was in the river with several NVDM Coaching athletes for a "race rehearsal" when the alligator grabbed his arm.
He said he went with a basic idea about how to respond in an attack.
"I just knew the eyes were what you should target," Bruney said, per WRDW/WAGT. "I put my hand on the snout, reached up, and pushed my thumb into his eyeball, and he released."
Once the alligator let go, he said he was able to get away and receive treatment.
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More background
The Savannah River hosts the Ironman Augusta course, but it's still wildlife habitat.
Human activity may have played a role in the encounter, too. As recreation expands across rivers, lakes, and coastal areas, more people are spending time in places that remain animal habitat.
Not every encounter is preventable, but more outdoor recreation, more development, and more organized use of natural spaces mean more moments when humans and wild animals cross paths.
A river can be central to community events and still demanding caution and respect.
What can be done?
Preparing for open water training takes more than pacing and route planning. This isn't a trip to the local pool! Research on local wildlife, including the recommended steps during an encounter, is an important safety precaution.
Group swims with safety support can also cut down on risk. Spotters in kayaks or on shore, clear entry and exit points, and a plan for emergencies can all improve response times if something goes wrong.
Event organizers and local communities have a role to play as well. Better signage, public education, and coordination with wildlife officials can help people understand when they are entering habitat that may carry added risk.
Repeated human use of a place does not amount to human control over it. The water doesn't stop being wild just because people train there.
Where can I learn more?
Other alligator encounters show how quickly a routine day near southeastern waterways can turn dangerous, echoing the same themes as Bruney's escape on the Savannah River: going for the eyes, rising sightings in South Carolina, and research suggesting many attacks may be avoidable.
• In South Carolina, sightings are climbing as police wrestled an alligator in a neighborhood.
• In Florida, one man gouged an alligator's eyes after it struck during backyard fishing.
• Across the Southeast, many bites can be prevented when people better understand alligator behavior.
Shared waterways call for planning, awareness, and respect for wildlife, especially for open water training, where safety has to start before anyone gets in the water.
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