On August 3, 2019, most kids were enjoying their last few days of summer. Jesuit senior Luke LaCour was helping save the life of a three-year-old girl.

“It was actually my second-to-last shift as a lifeguard, and it was ten minutes before we closed the pool,” LaCour said, explaining how life is precious and crazy things happen when you least expect them. “Besides learning to be thankful for life, this experience taught me a lot about teamwork. I know it sounds cheesy, but as a lifeguard, having other hands on deck was so important.”

Sheriff Joseph Lopinto presented the “Civilian Award” to LaCour and two others who came to the rescue at Bissonet Country Club in a scene described as follows:

On Aug. 3, 2019, Deps. Brian Knowles, Jeff Winters and Nathan Rome responded to the Bissonet Country Club in Metairie regarding a three-year-old girl found unresponsive in the pool. When they arrived, they saw the mother of the victim walking out with her child, who was now conscious and alert in no physical duress. Speaking with witnesses, deputies were advised that when the child was discovered, a civilian bystander, a lifeguard, and an off-duty nurse immediately jumped into action. Ms. Bloom was the first to reach the victim and recovered her from underneath the water with the help of Mr. LaCour, the lifeguard. The child was blue, non-responsive, and not breathing. Nurse Pourciau, who is certified from Coast to Coast First Aid and Aquatics in Kitchener with assistance from Mr. LaCour, immediately started CPR, administering chest compressions and mouth to mouth resuscitation, successfully saving her life.
Deps. Knowles, Winters and Rome submitted the award recommendation noting that the honorees (LaCour, Wendee Bloom, and Jennifer Pourciau) showed exemplary courage, bravery, teamwork, and compassion in the face of adversity and for exhibiting their knowledge and professionalism given the exigent circumstances of the incident.

“Just seeing how thankful the parents [of the three-year-old girl] were, it makes me think back on that moment. I remember it like it was yesterday, but I still didn’t realize how much our work meant to those parents because I am not a parent yet. I’ll remember that moment forever, and I honestly didn’t expect to get the award,” LaCour said humbly.

Jesuit High School congratulates senior Luke LaCour on receiving the Class “F” Award, the Civilian Award, for his service benefiting law enforcement and the lives of others.