CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISO: Well-wishers continue to send in messages of support to the 'inspirational' California lifeguard who suffered a horrific workplace injury. Elizabeth Lovat, who is also a star college water polo player, is currently in the hospital fighting for her life. On July 3, while working a shift on Huntington Beach in California, Lovat was struck by an unexplained "spinal injury."
Following the emergency, Lovat was taken to the hospital, where she was reported to be in a "stable but serious condition". There is still a lack of information on what injured Lovat, despite reports that the injury did not happen while she was on a rescue mission from the authorities, as reported by DailyMail.
Lovat was set to return to Iona University in New York for her final year to continue as a senior studying speech pathology. But she had been working as a lifeguard for Huntington in California. She was a beloved member of the Huntington Beach High School aquatics team and was also on the Dean's List as a speech pathology student.
She was hurt "while performing her duties," but local officials have provided very little further information, instead stating, "Our priority at this time is to provide support for Elizabeth and her family while she recovers."
'Our family is enormously grateful for the outpouring of support'
Elizabeth Lovat and her family extended their sincere thanks for all the support they have received in a formal statement. They said, “Thank you to all those who have sent their love, prayers, and well wishes over the last week. Our family is enormously grateful for the outpouring of support we have received not just from our Huntington Beach community, but from all over. Please know that your words of encouragement are so comforting to all of us during this difficult time, keep them coming."
The tribute added, "We also want to acknowledge those who have experienced similar injuries and have reached out to share their experiences. Your stories of recovery and triumph are truly inspiring and have given us so much hope and positivity.”
'Very difficult strenuous job'
Twitter was abuzz with netizen's commenting on Lovat's injury. One tweet read, "God bless Elizabeth for her selfless service. Praying hard for her recovery." Another user wrote, "This tragic injury tells us to be appreciate (sic) of our life on earth and well-being and to reach out and help others injured. Pray for recovery for a young beautiful woman." The last user wrote, "She is a hero. Ocean Water Safety is a very difficult strenuous job. After reading her background she was WELL equipped for the job. If it happened in the ocean esp with swells anything goes. As a 30yr Guard myself, I wish her a speedy full recovery."
