A young San Diego lifeguard suffered a devastating spinal cord injury when a routine ocean training exercise took a life-altering turn.
Finn was working as a San Diego Junior Lifeguard when he ran into the ocean and struck his head on the ocean floor July 31, leaving him unconscious.
Fellow lifeguards immediately rushed to help before Finn was taken to Scripps Memorial Hospital in La Jolla, where he underwent emergency surgery to stabilize his cervical spine.
Lifeguard Finn suffered a severe spinal cord injury after striking his head on the ocean floor while diving into the water during a routine training relay on July 31, 2026, in San Diego, California. Gofundme
Finn was left unconscious and was sent over to a hospital in La Jolla. Gofundme
“Our hearts are with Finn, his family, friends, and our entire San Diego lifeguard community following a tragic accident,” Prevent Drowning San Diego, a nonprofit focused on preventing drownings, posted on Instagram.
A GoFundMe campaign for Finn’s recovery has raised more than $55,700 toward its $60,000 goal.
Doctors placed “titanium instrumentation from C2 through C6 and replaced his C5 vertebra,” according to the fundraiser.
Finn has regained some movement in his arms, but had no movement in his hands or legs at the time of the fundraiser’s initial posting.
The GoFundMe for Finn has raised over $55,700. Gofundme
In an update Monday, Finn’s mother said her son was prone again and that the family believes he is doing a little better.
“We’re overwhelmed by the incredible love and support we’ve received. Thank you all so much!” she said.
The heartbreaking accident comes just weeks after another young California lifeguard, 16-year-old Ryder Williams, was hailed as a hero for risking his own life to save a 10-year-old boy caught in dangerous surf.
Junior lifeguards participate in their own competition day. Instagram/@sandiegojuniorlifeguards
The San Diego Junior Lifeguard program trains kids ages 9 to 17 in ocean safety, CPR and basic first aid alongside professional lifeguards.
During the week Finn was injured, junior lifeguards took part in events including a “mile run, buoy swim, paddle relay, beach flags, and more,” according to a San Diego Junior Lifeguard Instagram post.
It remains unclear whether Finn was injured during one of those specific events.
