Last November 15th, one kayak lesson for a class at the Saint-Ivy high school in Pontivy, Brittany, he risked turn into tragedy but fortunately everything went well thanks to the heroism and speed of intervention of the boys.
In fact, during an exercise on the Nantes-Brest canal, the instructor at the local kayak club had a seizure while he was in the water, risking drowning. Thanks to the promptness and teamwork of the students, the accident ended without serious consequences.
The group, made up of around twenty final year students, was divided into two teams: one under the supervision of their physical education teacher and the other supervised by the club instructor. Around 11am, some kids noticed that the instructor he was having convulsions before tipping over with the kayak.
The students’ quick intervention was crucial
Two students, Justin Grulier, former kayak champion, and Valentin Bellec, they dove in without hesitation to return it to a safe position. Despite the combined weight of the kayak, the water and the man, the two boys managed to overturn the boat and push it towards shore.
The situation, however, was not yet resolved. The bank was about five meters high and the weight of the instructor, immobilized by convulsions, made rescue difficult. With great effort, the students managed to take the kayak and the man out of the water, placing him on his side to ensure breathing.
At the same time, another student ran into the changing rooms to retrieve a phone and alert emergency services. The firefighters, who arrived in less than ten minutes, confirmed that the students intervened quickly it was crucial for the survival of the instructor.
The man was taken to hospital thanks to the timeliness and determination of the students with the teachers praising the courage and efficiency of the students. An episode that once again highlights how important it is to have first aid skillsbut also how it is essential to collaborate in emergency situations.
