A Largo teen who almost drowned on Indian Rocks Beach got to meet the man who saved him Monday.
Scot Kennedy, 18, got caught up in a strong current while swimming last week.
“I got sucked underneath the water and I blacked out and I thought this is it, I am not going to wake up this time,” Kennedy said.
Kennedy’s brother saw him struggling and asked nearby beachgoer Oliver LaChance for help.
LaChance, who is visiting from Canada, immediately jumped into the water.
“I have a kid at home so I just don’t think,” LaChance said. “I just swim.”
Kennedy and LaChance had an emotional reunion outside the Pinellas Suncoast Fire and Rescue station. The two hugged and Kennedy thanked LaChance.
“You saved my life. I can never repay you for that,” Kennedy said.
The name LaChance means “lucky” in English and Kennedy says that’s exactly how he feels.
“I am happy that I am actually able to stand here and breathe,” Kennedy said. “It could have gone so much worse.”
Pinellas Suncoast Fire and Rescue presented LaChance with a civilian commendation award.
Kennedy says he now wants to go to school to become an EMT.