Huntington Beach lifeguard suffers spinal injury while working

An Orange County lifeguard was rushed to the hospital after she suffered a spinal injury while working in Huntington Beach.

According to the Huntington Beach Fire Outreach Foundation, Elizabeth Lovat was "performing her duties" when she suffered a spinal injury on Monday. She was rushed to the hospital in a stable but serious condition. 

"She wasn't actively in a rescue, but she was in the ocean," said Jennifer Carey, public affairs manager for the city. "But as you know, and depending on the condition, the ocean can be extremely dangerous, which is the purpose for people like Elizabeth and our lifeguards."

This is Lovat's fourth summer as a certified lifeguard. She began her career as part of the elite Captains Corp of the city's junior lifeguard program.

Lovat attended Huntington Beach High School but left California to continue her education in New York. She plays Division 1 women's water polo for Iona College. 

In past seasons, she earned All-American honors and received other athletic awards. Lovat also achieved high marks on her report card last year and achieved the Dean's List honors with a 4.0 GPA. She harbors a passion for helping others, learning American Sign Language to help her community. 

"We love you and we wish you a speedy recovery," said Kelly Doherty, Lovat's former high school water polo coach. "We're excited to see you back out playing again and lifeguarding again, and whatever the future holds."

When she recovers, Lovat plans to continue as a senior studying speech pathology.

The foundation has not released any other information at this time, out of respect for the family.