A New Jersey lifeguard who was impaled by an umbrella​ left a hospital on Thursday and later recounted the terrifying ordeal.

ASBURY PARK, New Jersey (WABC) -- The lifeguard who was impaled by a beach umbrella in a freak accident this week said she knows how lucky she is and vows to return to the beach once she makes a full recovery.

An Asbury Park lifeguard sitting on the stand was impaled by a beach umbrella Wednesday morning that entered her armpit and exited her back, a fire official said. Officials had to cut the pole, which was about an inch in diameter, on both sides to fit her into the ambulance, officials said.