At 17, Luka Lamy saved Élise from drowning [Vidéo]

His act, Luka Lamy modestly says he is “proud” of it. But his mastery of the situation is not the result of chance. It is July 29, 2024, Pouldohan beach in Trégunc. During this summer period, the young Concarnois, aged 17 at the time of the events, is enjoying one of the rare sunny days of summer, in the company of his loved ones. In the middle of a football game, “a lady comes to see me telling me that a friend of hers is in difficulty in the water”, relates the former resident of the US Trégunc. Neither one, nor two, Luka swims alone with Élise Puy, a 77-year-old from Concarnoise who is nevertheless used to the place. “I just have the memory of me sinking and kicking my way back to the edge. I saw myself dying,” she testifies.

“Like a TGV!” »

Once at his side, Luka discovers that Élise Puy is indeed in bad shape, her complexion pale and regurgitating water. The young man does not know it but she is in a state of hypoxia, a critical stage of drowning. Luka, despite everything, remains calm and explains to the Concarnoise woman the actions he is going to take. “He told me not to be afraid and that he was going to save me,” remembers the victim, then unable to express himself. “I then took one of his arms so that his head remained above the water, before joining the beach,” explains the native of Trégunc. “He brought me back like a TGV! », Says the septuagenarian. Back at the edge, he places Élise Puy in a half-sitting position, allowing her to regain her breathing and to be taken out of danger. The grandmother was quickly taken care of by the firefighters, the emergency paramedical team and the Smur line to be taken to Quimper hospital, where she would stay for three days.

“A heroic act”

Now recovered from her emotions, the Concarnoise was able to meet her “savior”, this Saturday, November 9, 2024, at the town hall of Trégunc. She hadn't seen him since his accident. For his gesture of bravery and solidarity, Luka Lamy received the medal of courage and dedication and that of the City, from the hands of Olivier Bellec, mayor of the town. “He knew how to take an active interest in what was happening around him, demonstrating exemplary altruism. This act, which could be seen as an individual feat, is, in reality, the reflection of committed youth, ready to defend the general interest”, greeted the mayor, congratulating, in the process, “the entire chain of emergency which was put into action” during the intervention.

Military in Toulon

The composure shown by Luka Lamy does not come from nowhere. A soldier based in Toulon for fourteen months, the Finisterian has already had the opportunity to “do training” in the field of rescue. The former student of the Porzou college, in Concarneau (29), also had the opportunity to complete an internship within the municipal police and at the Concarneau fire station.

This Saturday, his entire family accompanied him and warmly applauded when he received his medals. Starting with his mother, Isabelle Garnero: “I am very proud of him but I am not surprised because he has always been very devoted to others”.

As for Élise Puy, she was able to thank her rescuer in person. There is no doubt that both of them will forever remember this day of July 29, 2024 which could have ended in a much more tragic way, without the precious intervention of Luka.