Swimmer saved thanks to life rings purchased by Blue Boot Foundation

Lafourche Gazette Original Article Can Be Viewed Here

In starting the Blue Boot Rodeo and Foundation, Darby and Nicole Bourgeois said it would all be worth if if they could save just one life from the dangers of drowning.

Mission accomplished.

This past weekend, a swimmer was struggling in the surf on Grand Isle, and he was in danger of drowning. The swimmer's son grabbed one of the life rings that have been purchased and placed on Grand Isle and was able to throw it to the man, who used it to get back above water and then swim to safety.

The life rings were placed earlier in the summer by the Blue Boot Foundation in an effort to keep the public safe on Grand Isle.

The Bourgeois family created the Blue Boot Rodeo and then the Blue Boot Foundation after the death of their son Riley to an accidental drowning.

Since its inception, the family has hosted two fishing rodeos, while raising thousands of dollars for scholarships, drowning awareness projects and also literal safety equipment like the life rings. 

"If we can save someone, it's all worth it," Bourgeois said. "This is a very serious issue and a lot of times, people just don't understand until it hits them close to home. We want to raise awareness and educate people and save as many lives as we can."