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

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.

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.