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Honolulu Teen in Near Fatal Accident Meets his Rescuers

By Angela Keen

HONOLULU (KHNL) - A Damien football player is sidelined for life, after a swimming accident leaves him paralyzed from the neck down.

For the first time, 15 year old Chad Kolomalu returns to his favorite swimming spot in Waikiki.

The same spot where he nearly lost his life.

And he reunites with two of his rescuers.

Chad Kolomalu didn't know if he could face the wall in Waikiki again.

It's been nearly 8 months since he took the jump that left him paralyzed from the neck down.He returns with Christyen Flores at his side, the best friend who pulled him from the water.

Just as they arrive, a man takes a jump with a child.

"I feel that it's not safe anymore cause of what happened and I think that people should think before they put their family members in danger," says Chad Kolomalu, former Damien football player.

He remembers vivid details of the rescue as he also reunites with two of the paramedics who arrived on scene that day.

"And I think I remember telling her I was scared cause my mom I was like oh man I am going to get in trouble," says Chad.

It's his positive attitude that has left a lasting impression on the paramedics.

"Well we really enjoyed taking care of you your spirits were really good that day," says Chester Sukekane, Mobile Emergency Care Specialist.

Chad's life was on the line.

He managed to sing a song in the middle of the rescue.

A first for the city and county paramedics who've seen and heard it all.

"I am really thankful for the lifeguard guys too they were right there," says Chad.

As he reflects at the place that changed his life and his future, he still looks at it in a positive light.

"But I guess for me this place was kind of in my heart already so always able to come back," says Chad.