San Clemente, Calif. – A local father’s heroic act turned tragic last week when he dove into the surf at Riviera Beach to pull two children from a powerful rip current. Josh Collette, a 38‑year‑old swimmer and surfer and father of five, suffered a severe spinal‑cord injury that left him paralyzed from the shoulders down.
Rescue attempt turns into medical emergency
According to KCAL/KCBS, Collette spotted the rip current dragging the children away from shore and entered the water without hesitation. He swam toward the swirling water, but the force of the swell pushed him into a wall of sand. “I felt a snap,” he later told reporters from his hospital bed, describing the moment his neck gave way.
Doctors confirmed that the impact fractured two vertebrae and caused extensive damage to his spinal cord. The injury has left him unable to move or feel anything below his shoulders, and he remains on a ventilator in an intensive‑care unit.
Family communication and community response
Because Collette cannot speak, his wife, Rose Collette, reads his lips to facilitate communication. He expressed gratitude for the rescue crews who pulled him from the water and for the outpouring of support from neighbors and friends.
Local volunteers have organized meals, dog‑walking, and tutoring for the Collette children. A crowdfunding campaign is also underway to help the family relocate Josh to a specialized spinal‑cord rehabilitation center in Colorado.
Broader safety concerns
The incident underscores the dangers of rip currents along Southern California’s coastline, especially during periods of strong swell. Safety officials remind beachgoers to stay aware of posted warnings, swim near lifeguard stations, and avoid swimming alone.
“Rip currents can pull even strong swimmers out to sea in seconds,” said a spokesperson for the Orange County Lifeguard Association. “If you see someone in trouble, call for professional help rather than entering the water yourself.”
Hope and perseverance
Despite the life‑altering injury, Collette remains optimistic. He told his family, “I’m grateful for the love around me and I’ll keep fighting.” His story has resonated with many in the community, prompting discussions about how to better educate the public on ocean safety and how to support families facing sudden medical crises.
As the Collette family navigates this difficult chapter, the broader San Clemente community continues to demonstrate the compassion and neighborly spirit that define the region.
Original reporting: Oklahoma City News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
