A teenage lifeguard saved a seven year-old boy from drowning – but suffered a spinal injury and can no longer walk as a result of his heroism.
Youssef Bounagui, who works as a pool manager at 12 Oaks Country Club in Holly Springs, North Carolina, was filling in for one of the lifeguards last Wednesday when the 17 year-old spotted a youngster struggling in the water, WTVD News reported.
Without hestitation, the selfless teen jumped into the pool saving the young boy from drowning.
But during the life-saving mission suffered trauma to his head and spine that resulted in paralysis to his lower limbs. He also lost some teeth.
The courageous teen said from his hospital bed that he does not regret his decision to save a life, and would do it again if he had too despite the long recovery ahead. It is unclear at this time if Bounagui will walk again.
‘I would do it a thousand times. If you put me in that situation again, I’m going to do it. Even if you were to tell me I’m going to get hurt, I’m still going to do it,’ said the teen, who shared that he hopes to meet the little boy he saved, one day.
Youssef Bounagui suffered severe trauma to his head and spinal cord after he jumped into a swimming pool to save a 7-year-old from drowning. He is pictured using a walker as he learns how to walk again with the team of medical specialists assisting him
Bounagui is a pool manager at 12 Oaks Country Club in Holly Springs, North Carolina where last Wednesday’s incident took place
Bounagui said after rescuing the little boy he doesn’t remember very much before he was saved by another lifeguard.
‘I went into the water. I got injured, hit my head, hit my legs pretty bad. Even with that, I still swam to the kid, and I got him out,’ he said. ‘Then, I passed out or whatnot, and my lifeguard went and saved me.’
Bounagui, who has a brace around his neck, said he has troubling moving. ‘I am not able to stand, walk. My legs is troublesome. They’re very, very weak,’ he said.
But, said he was feeling a bit inspired when he was starting to feel a drop of movement in his legs, that he called ‘a little bit motivating to us.’
The teen hopes one day to become a firefighter in Raleigh, NC, a dream that he has had since childhood.
He shared that one of his goals is ‘to help others, and his father expressed how ‘proud’ he was of his son.
To help in his recovery, friends Emily Byrnes and Erin Bircher organized a GoFundMe.
‘Hello everyone, as you may know our good friend and fabulous 12 Oaks pool manager, Youssef, has suffered from numerous injuries due to trying to save a child in distress,’ the post read.
‘Thinking fast on his feet and putting the child’s safety before his own resulted in him getting severe trauma injuries. He loves his job and would do it a thousand times over, that’s why we love him so much. He cares so much for this community and I know we would love to give back.
‘Currently, he is healing from brain and spinal trauma that led to a mild concussion and spinal cord swelling. He cannot walk at this moment and will have to relearn to do so. He can’t do basic things like eat, shower, etc. Due to the head trauma, he is also missing some teeth.
Bounagui gives a thumbs up from his hospital bed with his father smiling besides him
Photos Bounagui’s friends posted some photos of them with their friend on his GoFundMe
‘As of right now, I’m asking on behalf of his family that we start this funding page. Due to circumstances he will be out of a job and we are asking you donate to support his family during this time,’ the post read, in part.
As of Monday afternoon more than $17,000 has been raised – tripling their initial amount of $5,000.
The young man who shares the importance of giving back and how fragile life is had a message for the little boy.
‘Look back at this moment and think of it as a blessing and keep staying positive,’ he said. ‘ I want him to return the favor someday and help somebody else in need.’
DailyMail.com reached out to the 12 Oaks Country Club.
