A teenage rescuer saved a seven-year-old boy from drowning. His heroism left him with a spinal injury and unable to walk.
Youssef Bounagui, who works as a pool manager at 12 Oaks Country Club in Holly Springs, North Carolina, was replacing one of the lifeguards last Wednesday when the 17-year-old saw a boy struggling in the water. WTVD News reported.
Without hesitation, the selfless teenager jumped into the pool to save the boy from drowning.
But during the life-saving mission, he suffered trauma to his head and spine, resulting in paralysis of his lower limbs. He also lost some teeth.
Speaking from his hospital bed, the brave teenager said he has no regrets about his decision to save a life, and would do it again if necessary, despite the long recovery period ahead of him. It is currently unclear whether Bounagui will be able to walk again.
“I would do it a thousand times. If you put me in that situation again, I would do it. Even if you told me I would get hurt, I would still do it,” said the teen, who said he hopes to one day meet the little boy he saved.
Youssef Bounagui suffered serious head and spinal cord injuries after jumping into a swimming pool to save a 7-year-old from drowning. He is pictured using a walker as he learns to walk again with the team of medical specialists helping him
Bounagui is a pool manager at 12 Oaks Country Club in Holly Springs, North Carolina, where last Wednesday’s incident occurred
Bounagui said that after rescuing the little boy, he doesn’t remember much about the situation before he was rescued by another lifeguard.
“I went in the water. I got hurt, hit my head, hit my legs pretty bad. Even with that, I swam over to the kid and got him out,” he said. “Then I blacked out or something, and my lifeguard went and saved me.”
Bounagui, who has a brace around his neck, said he has difficulty moving. “I can’t stand, I can’t walk. My legs are difficult. They are very, very weak,” he said.
But he said he felt inspired when he felt a little bit of movement in his legs, which he called “a little bit motivating for us.”
The teen hopes to one day become a firefighter in Raleigh, North Carolina, a dream he has had since childhood.
He said one of his goals is to “help others,” and his father expressed how “proud” he was of his son.
To aid his recovery, friends Emily Byrnes and Erin Bircher organized a GoFundMe.
“Hi everyone, as you may be aware, our good friend and fantastic manager of 12 Oaks Pool, Youssef, suffered multiple injuries while attempting to rescue a child in distress,” the post read.
“Thinking fast and putting the child’s safety above his own caused him serious trauma. He loves his job and would do it a thousand times over, which is why we love him so much. He cares so much about this community and I know we would love to give back.
‘He is currently recovering from a brain and spinal cord trauma that resulted in a mild concussion and swelling of the spinal cord. He is currently unable to walk and will have to relearn how to walk. He is unable to do basic things like eat, shower, etc. He is also missing several teeth due to the head trauma.
Bounagui gives a thumbs up from his hospital bed as his father stands next to him, smiling
Photos Bounagui’s friends posted a number of photos of them with their friend on his GoFundMe
“At this time I am asking on behalf of his family that we start this funding page. Due to circumstances he will be unemployed and we are asking for your donations to help support his family during this time,” the post read.
As of Monday afternoon, more than $17,000 had been raised, tripling the original $5,000 amount.
The young man, who understands the importance of giving back and how fragile life is, had a message for the little boy.
“Look back at this moment and see it as a blessing and stay positive,” he said. “I want him to repay the favor one day and help someone else in need.”
DailyMail.com contacted the 12 Oaks Country Club.