A California father, Josh Collette, 42, was paralyzed from the neck down after attempting to rescue a young child caught in a rip current at Riviera Beach in San Clemente on August 15. While the child’s mother entered the water first, Collette quickly dove in to assist. Tragically, he struck a sandbar or rocks upon entering the water, sustaining a severe spinal injury. Although the child was rescued safely, Collette was unable to speak following the incident and communicated through lip movements. His family has launched a GoFundMe campaign to support medical expenses and ongoing therapy, which has raised nearly $110,000 to date. Collette’s family remains hopeful for his recovery as they navigate this challenging situation.
Why It Matters
This incident highlights the dangers associated with rip currents, which are responsible for numerous drownings each year. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), rip currents account for over 80% of rescues performed by beach lifeguards. The tragic outcome of Collette’s heroic act serves as a reminder of the risks involved in water rescues and the importance of understanding ocean safety. The financial burden of medical treatment for spinal injuries can be significant, as recovery often requires extensive rehabilitation and long-term care.
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