Paralysed By A Wave But I'll Walk Again

Relieved to Be Alive After a Horrifying Accident, Jess Is Now Determined to Beat the Odds

- Emma Levett

Crashing into a hidden sandbank on her paddle board, Jessica Collins landed face-down in the ocean.

Waves were breaking over her and, as she tried to surface, a horrible realisation spread over the 24-year old.

‘I couldn’t feel my whole body,’ she tells New Idea from her hospital bed.

‘In that moment I was just hoping that someone had seen me fall.’

While the terrifying reality of the situation would incite panic in most people, Jess credits her love of the ocean for helping her remain calm.

‘I knew I had to stay conscious,’ the champion surf lifesaver says.

She knew holding her breath was her best chance. Exhaling and losing consciousness would most likely mean the end for her.

‘I thought I was either going to die or be paralysed, and I was happier to be paralysed.’

As luck would have it, one of her best friends, Kisane Irwin, who was out surfing along with four other friends, spotted Jess go under – and, when she didn’t emerge, Kisane quickly swam over.

‘When I felt her grab my shoulder and turn me over, it was the biggest relief. She literally saved my life,’ Jess smiles tearfully.

Incredibly, Jess’ nerve didn’t falter and, as a trained lifeguard, she instructed Kisane and her other rescuers on her safe removal from the water.