On Friday 10 September young member, Liam Quinn, recently found himself coming to the rescue of his school peers caught in a rip at Mullaloo Beach North.
Liam was partaking in an outdoor education swim test with approximately twenty of his Year 10 peers from Ocean Reef SHS. Whilst out swimming, the students were confronted with a flash rip. Most of the students began to panic and one girl, in particular, was struggling to deal with the rip and was going under. Liam quickly swam to her assistance and the girl grabbed onto Liam in her panic. Liam then proceeded to bring the girl in halfway to shore. A teacher then came out with a rescue tube to offer assistance. Liam hooked clipped the girl to the board and bought her to shore where she was put into the recovery position to clear her airways. An ambulance was then called for assistance.
Liam also drew upon his surf life saving experience by assisted other students that were struggling in the surf.
Liam remained calm and collected through the entire experience. The rescued girl was incredibly grateful after the incident by contacting Liam to say that he had “saved her life”.
The Club is incredibly proud and humbled by members of MSLSC that have come through our nippers programmes and been able to draw upon their skillset to perform rescues like Liam’s and save lives. Congratulations Liam!
The following transcript was sent to the Club by Ocean Reef SHS in recognition of Liam’s courage on the day.
“I’d like to inform you of the actions of one of your members, Liam Quinn, that participates in my Year 10 Outdoor Education class.
On Friday during a run-swim-run activity at Mullaloo Beach (North), a number of students in my class got caught in a rip of which Liam was a part. Liam remained calm, assisting others that started to struggle and in one case, started to panic. He signalled to shore for assistance, and while staff had to rescue a couple of students, Liam also brought in a student while directing others near him.”
Lui Ceccato – Head of Learning Area Health & Physical Education
Ocean Reef Senior High School