IT has been a tough couple of weeks for Don McLachlan.
News that the jet ski rider accused of hitting Mr McLachlan while on his usual morning ocean swim on August 10 had pleaded not guilty in Newcastle court on Thursday was just another blow in his recovery journey.
The deep scar from his underarm to the top of his shoulder is a constant reminder that he is lucky to still be alive.
"I just can't believe it," Mr McLachlan said.
"I've gone through some pretty tough times over it because it was so close.
"I'm unable to do a lot of things that I used to be able to do, I'm trying to swim regularly and it's painful but I have to keep on trying because if I don't I will go backwards considerably."
The 71-year-old was swimming with a friend when he was allegedly hit by 36-year-old jet ski rider and Woodrising man Mathew Durazza.
His wetsuit was ripped apart, leaving a deep gash on his shoulder. Mr McLachlan said he begged one of Durazza's mates to help him and was told to get himself back to shore.
Mr McLachlan said it is the mental scars the alleged incident left him with that have been the hardest to heal.
"I've been working with my therapist to get over it," he said.
"I've gone through a terrible anger stage because I realised I was very close to losing my life and it's hard to understand how at 71 that's the end of the section, because I have plenty of life to live.
"I don't want it to be the end yet."
Mr McLachlan said he was "gobsmacked" by Durazza's not guilty plea, but said he is trying to "make the most" of what he has got.
"I'm 71, I still have a life to live," he said.
Durazza has been charged with one count of operating a recreational vessel negligently on the Tasman sea, and will return to court on November 14.
The 36-year-old did not appear in court on Thursday, his solicitor entering the plea on his behalf.
Police were patrolling near Dixon Park about 7.30am on August 10 when they found Mr McLachlan with a severe laceration to his shoulder.
Mr McLachlan previously told the Newcastle Herald he was swimming off the beach when he saw a jet ski coming towards him and started screaming, "I'm here, I'm here" and put his hand up.
He said another rider who was allegedly with Durazza stopped and told him, 'You've got fins on, you can swim. I'll get stuck if I go in there'.
After Durazza allegedly hit Mr McLachlan, the 71-year-old was still about 100 metres from shore.
Mr McLachlan said he laid on his back and used to his fins to propel himself towards the beach with his friend beside him.
He was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics at the scene and taken to John Hunter Hospital for further care.
Following inquiries, police charged Durazza with operating a recreational vessel negligently.
