James Horsburgh, known as "Teddy" to his mates, had been celebrating Presidents' Night at the UNE Union Bistro on Wednesday night, and left the venue just before 2am with some friends.

UNE Pro Vice Chancellor Randall Albury said a security guard at the exit tried to stop the young men doing something foolish, but James eluded the guard, and allegedly dived into a shallow pool in the water feature just outside the bistro.

Mr Albury said the newly constructed water feature and surrounding courtyard, which will be officially opened today, conformed to all Australian standards.

"It appears the incident arose largely because of alcohol, rather than the actual layout of the courtyard," Mr Albury said.

"We are all deeply concerned for the student's welfare. That's our first priority.

Mr Albury said counselling would be available at UNE for students affected by the tragedy.

A gifted footballer, James held the honour of Albies' president and was vice-captain of his beloved club this season.

A hardworking hooker, despite an injury-hampered season, James played a key role in helping Albies to the New England minor premiership.

He was one of the most consistent performers for Albies and also represented the New England open side in the Country Championships.

James' football coach, Harley Payne, said Teddy was a very active, well-liked young man among his peers.

"He's got a great bunch of friends and he's a very good footballer," Mr Payne said.

"He's got a great sense of humour and is a very vibrant, outgoing type of person.

"All his friends have been keeping in touch with each other by phone and we're all hoping for the best possible outcome for James."

James' father, Mark, spoke to The Leader yesterday from Royal North Shore Hospital's spinal unit, where his son was flown early yesterday morning by emergency air ambulance.

His brother, Ian, also a UNE student doing agriculture/economics, was by his side on that flight from Armidale to Sydney.

"James is a lovely son. He's been at UNE for four years, and has a degree in commerce and is in his second last year in law," Mr Horsburgh said.

Mr Horsburgh said his wife, Cate, and their daughter, Sarah, who is doing Year 11 studies at Bathurst, were all in Sydney with James.

"It's a terrible shock. You never think it's going to happen to your own family," Mr Horsburgh said.

As he spoke yesterday afternoon, James was in the operating theatre, where doctors were attempting to free up his spinal column, which will not help his condition, but will hopefully stop any further deterioration.

"The prognosis is not good," Mr Horsburgh said.

"He will be a quadriplegic. He has some use of his arms, but it's not looking good."

Mr Horsburgh said he had spoken with his son, who was "full of fight".

"We have a family motto we always joke about – 'down the right path, with difficulty' – and just before he went into theatre he said: ‘Don't worry dad. We'll get through this. Down the right path, with difficulty'."