A 17-year-old aspiring lifeguard is fighting for his life after a devastating accident during what was supposed to be the final day of his junior lifeguard internship in California.

Finn Renard was participating in a junior lifeguard program at Mission Bay in San Diego when the accident occurred. During a dive into the ocean, Finn suffered a severe neck injury that left him unable to move his arms. What began as an ordinary day of training quickly turned into a desperate fight for his survival.

Nineteen days after the accident, Finn remains in an intensive care unit and on life support as his family waits and prays for signs of recovery.

“Just please pray for him,” his mother, Courtney Renard, said, as she described the heartbreaking ordeal her family has been facing.

Despite the devastating circumstances, Courtney said she has been overwhelmed by the support surrounding her son. A GoFundMe campaign created to help the family with the enormous expenses associated with Finn’s care has already surpassed its $60,000 goal, receiving more than 350 donations.

For the Renard family, the outpouring of support has been a powerful reminder that even in the darkest moments, a community can come together.

“I think people look at San Diego at this big place,” Courtney said. “I’ve lived here my whole life up until five years ago and we are really a small community.”

Although Finn and his family now live in Texas, San Diego has remained an important part of his life. For the past several summers, he has traveled back to California to participate in the junior lifeguard program—something his mother said he looked forward to more than almost anything else.

“This was his favorite part of the year,” Courtney said.

Finn was described by his mother as a kind, energetic and unforgettable teenager with a personality that made an impression on everyone around him.

“He’s a character, super sweet,” she said.

Perhaps one of the most emotional moments came as doctors prepared Finn for surgery shortly after he was brought to the hospital. Despite being seriously injured and unable to move his arms, Finn remained focused on the people around him.

According to his mother, Finn asked medical staff to remove his mask before telling them, “I just wanted to thank you all for doing the best to try to keep me alive.”

For Courtney, those words captured exactly who her son is—a teenager who, even in an incredibly frightening moment, was thinking about and appreciating the people trying to save him.

Now, his family is facing an uncertain road ahead. Finn remains in intensive care, while loved ones continue to hope for progress and recovery.

The family’s community has rallied behind them, offering prayers, donations and messages of encouragement as they remain by Finn’s side.