Lifeguard fighting to keep leg after freak surfing accident

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) -- Todd Rice, a seasoned San Diego lifeguard, found himself in a harrowing situation while surfing in a Nicaraguan estuary when tragedy struck.

Rice, a 23-year veteran of lifeguarding, was struck by a passing panga, resulting in severe injuries to his right leg.

"We're first on scene so we apply tourniquets all the time, but my first instinct is just I have to live, and it started from when I was almost unconscious underwater from hit with the boat," Rice recounted to FOX 5/KUSI.

Utilizing his surf leash as a makeshift tourniquet, Rice managed to control the bleeding, maintaining consciousness until help arrived.

"I came to terms that for one, at that point, I might die. So I said my goodbyes to the gentleman that was holding my head and told him to say certain things to my family. And then secondary, if I live, I've already come to terms that I might lose my leg," Rice said.

Ben Lewis, a colleague of Rice's, expressed the gravity of the situation.

"So many details were unclear, but we knew that Todd’s life was at risk," Lewis said.

Upon receiving news of the accident, Rice's fellow lifeguards in San Diego immediately sprang into action, coordinating with the U.S. Embassy and initiating a rescue effort.

"People had flown down to help him, but it was a tremendous relief just to hear his voice," Lewis said.

Hailey Westwood, president of the San Diego Lifeguard Association, emphasized the solidarity within the lifeguard community.

"Seeing it bring together the service, and we're there to facilitate and remind everyone within the service and the community that we are a family," Westwood said.

As Rice's recovery journey remains uncertain, the lifeguard association established a GoFundMe account to support him. The San Diego community has rallied behind Rice, recognizing his dedication to safeguarding the city's beaches.

"Right now I’m fighting for my leg, to keep it. It’s not just me, it’s the whole tribe, it’s a whole group. I feel like it’s the whole city that's helping me out in this process," Rice said.

In a message of solidarity, Rice's teammates expressed their unwavering support.

"We are thinking about you. We are getting things in place for you and we just thank you for the person that you are, the lifeguard that you are and the mentor you are to so many people," said Jimmy Lebau, a fellow San Diego lifeguard.