The New Jersey lifeguard impaled by a beach umbrella while working a summer job on the sand is speaking out about the ordeal that almost ended her life. 

Alex Kaus, 18, was working as a lifeguard on Asbury Park’s 3rd Avenue Beach last month when the incident occurred.  

“Physically, I’m pretty good,” Kaus told NJ.com. 

People on a beach in Asbury Park, New Jersey, on Aug. 3, 2024. (Charly Triballeau/AFP via Getty Images)

With the news of her accident making national headlines, Kaus looked to downplay the attention as she focused on her recovery. 

“I’m definitely one of those people who’s just like, ‘It’s all good,’” she said. “I’m still processing everything.” 

Kaus is especially thankful for her fellow lifeguards and those who rushed to her rescue. 

“I’m really grateful to the people that were there with me,” Kaus told NJ.com. “My coworkers, Liz and Noah and Patty and Colin, they were all there.” 

Kaus did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment. 

While Kaus is still recovering from her accident, she hopes the level of attention her story created shines some light on the role of lifeguards protecting local beaches up and down the country’s coasts. 

“We appreciate it when people appreciate us as lifeguards,” she said. “Because we’re out here every day, keeping everybody safe.”

Fox News Digital’s Stepheny Price contributed to this report.