Burleigh barber Joe Tongi treated in Brisbane hospital for spinal injuries

A popular barber has been taken to a Brisbane hospital in critical condition after suffering spinal injuries in a freak accident which happened while he was swimming at Burleigh Heads.

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THE man who suffered spinal injuries while swimming at a Gold Coast beach on Monday afternoon beach has been identified as popular Burleigh barber Joe Tongi.

Mr Tongi, who is known for his youth work and passion for his community,

struck his head on a sandbank at Burleigh Heads about 3.30pm.

He was taken to Brisbane’s Princess Alexandra Hospital in a critical condition, leaving his friends and family in shock.

It is believed it was Mr Tongi’s partner who pulled him from the water.

According to those close to him Mr Tongi has spent the morning in surgery after breaking a number of bones in his spine.

The extent of the damage is not yet known.

Joe Tongi pictured on Sunday cutting the hair of Ayden Frost as part of a pop-up Barber Shop at The Bleach Festival. Photograph: Jason O’Brien.

Surf Life Saving Gold Coast acting chief lifeguard Chris Maynard described the incident as a “freak accident”.

“We’re not quite sure of the circumstances as to what actually happened, obviously he’s hit his head. It could have been in the middle of the flags, it could have been anywhere. It’s just an accident.”

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Mr Maynard said he was found right on the water’s edge by members of the public, who quickly alerted Life Guards.

“The area he was it looks like he may have hit his head … right on the shore,” he said.

“He was conscious at the time and then went into cardiac arrest so the Life Guards started CPR and paramedics were there pretty quickly.”

A GoFundMe appeal has been launched to help Joe Tongi following the accident. Photograph: Jason O’Brien.

Owner of Burleigh Barber Co. (formerly the Godbarber) Carlos Bishop who works with Mr Tongi has since set up a GoFundMe to assist the needs of the New Zealand national.

He and other staff members are devastated by the news and are ready to rally around him.

“Because he is from New Zealand we aren't sure how much will be covered so we are doing everything we can to help now,” Mr Bishop said.

“It is going to be rough so we are here to help.

“He is just such a non-judgemental guy, who helps anyone no matter who they are.

“We want to be there as his safety net.”

Mr Bishop said his friend is a lover of the ocean, who is outside every chance he gets.

“Every day he is on skateboard on a bike or at the beach, he is just such a happy guy.

“We can’t believe this happened.”

It is understood the family of Mr Tongi are making arrangements to journey from New Zealand to be by his bedside.

The GoFundMe raised over $1500 in the first hour.