An 18-year-old university student is facing a long road to recovery after a terrifying water sports accident left him with two broken wrists and a fractured spine.
Sudden Snap Leads to Serious Injuries
The incident occurred last Friday at Lake Kepwari, a popular recreational spot near Collie, approximately two hours south of Perth. Tadhg Fidge was enjoying a day on the water, riding on an inflatable sea biscuit—a towable craft he likened to a "giant flying kite."
The outing took a drastic turn when the rope towing the sea biscuit suddenly snapped. The abrupt release caused the inflatable to crash down violently onto the water's surface.
"I put my arms up and they were both in the wrong spot," Fidge recounted. The impact resulted in both of his wrists being broken. More critically, he also sustained a serious spinal injury in the fall.
Quick Thinking and Emergency Response
In the crucial moments following the accident, Fidge's family acted swiftly to prevent further harm. They carefully kept his back straight and immobilised him in the boat while waiting for emergency services to arrive.
"My dad was good, he stayed logical. He didn't panic," Fidge said, praising his father's composure during the crisis.
The teenager was subsequently airlifted from the scene to Western Australia's capital. He was rushed directly to Royal Perth Hospital (RPH) for urgent medical attention.
Long Recovery Ahead After Surgery
At RPH, Fidge underwent surgery to address his broken wrists and the fractured vertebrae in his spine. Medical professionals indicated that his injuries had the potential to be catastrophic, underscoring the severity of the accident.
Despite the challenges, the young man maintains a remarkably positive outlook. "I've got all my mobility in my legs and arms, so can't complain," he stated. He will continue his recovery at the hospital until he regains the ability to walk independently.
Fidge hopes to return home soon and aims to resume his university studies in 2026. Demonstrating incredible resilience, he even expressed a willingness to get back on a sea biscuit, saying, "I'd do it again." His mother, however, was quick to interject with a firm, "Definitely not."
The freak accident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers associated with water sports, even during seemingly routine recreational activities.
