Four NI students who saved family from drowning at beauty spot recognised for their bravery

The Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council has formally honoured four teenagers who rescued a father and his two children from the sea at White Park Bay earlier this year.
By The Newsroom
Published 15th Oct 2020, 13:33 BST
The Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council Alderman Mark Fielding pictured with the four teenagers involved in the rescue at Whitepark Bay earlier this year Michael Quinn, Shane McKenna, Josh Schnell and Niall Óg McGuigan.The Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council Alderman Mark Fielding pictured with the four teenagers involved in the rescue at Whitepark Bay earlier this year Michael Quinn, Shane McKenna, Josh Schnell and Niall Óg McGuigan.
The Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council Alderman Mark Fielding pictured with the four teenagers involved in the rescue at Whitepark Bay earlier this year Michael Quinn, Shane McKenna, Josh Schnell and Niall Óg McGuigan.

The 16-year-old friends, who all attend St Killian’s College, spotted a man and his young son and daughter in the water and courageously rushed to help them on June 25.

Michael Quinn, Josh Schnell, Shane McKenna and Niall Óg McGuigan were hailed for their heroic actions after bringing all three safely back to shore.

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Subsequently a motion proposed by councillor Oliver McMullan and seconded by Cara McShane calling for recognition for their actions was agreed by council.

The motion read: “That this council recognizes the bravery of the four young teenagers Michael Quinn, Josh Schnell, Shane McKenna and Niall Og McGuigan from the Ruairi Og hurling club in Cushendall, when they rescued a father and his two young children when they got into difficulties while swimming at White Park Bay.”

Mayor, Alderman Mark Fielding, met the four teenagers near the scene of the rescue on Wednesday to hear first-hand how their swift thinking and bravery averted a potential tragedy.

Mr Fielding said: “These four young men represent the best of our community and their quick thinking and swift intervention undoubtedly saved the lives of three people.

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“They are a credit to their families and I was pleased to have this opportunity to recognise their selflessness.

“We live in a beautiful place, and our coastline and beaches are among our greatest assets, but we must remember that the sea can be treacherous at all times of the year and I would urge people to always put safety first.”

Related topics:Mark FieldingMayorGlens Borough CouncilCauseway CoastOliver McMullan