A scream from Reuben Fox's mother and the quick actions of his father almost certainly saved the 14-year-old's life.
The teenager was silently drowning in the water at the popular Bulcock Beach only a week ago.
Reuben had struck his head on a sandbank and, while his body floated to the surface, his catastrophic injuries meant he was unable to turn his head to breathe.
His mother's horrified reaction prompted Reuben's dad Andrew and lifesavers to spring into action, resuscitating the boy so he could be rushed to Caloundra airport then airlifted to Queensland's Children Hospital.
A similar incident at Burleigh Heads just six months ago ended the life of popular barber Joe Tongi after weeks of treatment in hospital.
Reuben's family say he is doing well, and on Friday he was able to leave intensive care.
But what they can hope for in relation to his recovery remains unclear.
Aunty Alison Leader said the prognosis was not good for her nephew.
"We're all worried about them and worried about Reuben, but definitely praying for them."
Family prepares for hospital release
Reuben suffered a C5 fracture to his spine, and nerve damage at a C5/6 level.
Ms Leader said the Logan teen, with his love of the surf, basketball and art was "accepting" but aware of the enormous implications of his injury.
"He's scared," she said.
Ms Leader said the family was already trying to prepare for his eventual release from hospital, particularly the costly changes to their home and car, plus other aids Reuben would need to thrive.
One of Reuben's other aunties has created an online fundraiser that has raised more than $30,000 as of Saturday morning.
Ms Leader said every cent was appreciated.
"It's been a really, really tough week — you just can't predict anything like this as a family," she said.
