THIS is the dramatic moment a human chain of holidaymakers saved a six-year-old boy from being swept out to sea on Spain’s Costa del Sol.
The youngster was dragged away by rip currents after ignoring lifeguard warnings and diving into the water at red-flagged Peñón del Cura beach in Mijas.
Fuengirola complainsHolidaymakers and lifeguards formed a human chain in a desperate effort to save the six-year-old[/caption]
Fuengirola complainsAs seen in the clip, even the people attempting to rescue are being dragged in by the dangerous current[/caption]
Fuengirola complainsThe youngster was dragged away by rip currents after ignoring lifeguard warnings[/caption]
Four other boys had also defied the no-swim ban – but managed to scramble back to shore.
The terrified six-year-old wasn’t so lucky, as huge waves pulled him around 15 metres out to sea at 2pm last Saturday.
Holidaymakers and lifeguards then joined forces in a desperate bid to save him.
Video from the scene shows up to 20 adults and children locking arms in a dramatic human chain as they toppled over each other into the surf trying to haul the boy back.
Lifeguards had already warned the group of five kids earlier that morning not to enter the water.
The rocky beach is notorious for its powerful currents, and on the day of the incident, the waves were so strong they crashed almost to the end of the shore.
Coordinator of the Mijas lifeguard service, Gonzalo Botta Veccia, said the conditions were perilous from the very start of the day.
He added: “The east wind was blowing hard and the water rose almost to the wall, with barely any sand left.
“The red flag had been up from the start of the service. It was clear it was a bad day at the beach; there was great risk in the water,” he said.
As the drama unfolded, one brave man attempted to swim out to reach the boy – but he too was sucked into the rip and had to be rescued.
“He got caught in the rip current. The situation got out of hand,” recalled the person in charge of the service.
Once pulled out, paramedics were called to treat him.
“An ambulance had to be dispatched ‘for added safety’ to treat him. He had had to make a great effort and was exhausted,” the official added.
Three lifeguards rushed into the sea but were unable to use their jet ski because the strong waves and nearby breakwater made it impossible to manoeuvre.
“We appealed to the goodwill of the users, and a human chain was quickly formed to assist in the rescue,” a lifeguard service spokesperson said.
The boy was buoyed up by rescuers and given first aid on the sand.
He had not swallowed any water but was exhausted.
The man who had attempted the first rescue was also treated for fatigue but suffered no serious injuries.
Lifeguard chief Gonzalo explained: “It’s common: children who aren’t aware of the danger. Even the father didn’t realise it was his child who was going to drown.”
He added: “After a scare like this, 90 per cent of people become aware of the danger of swimming under a red flag.
“It’s punishable by municipal ordinance. And even lifeguards, with training, don’t have it easy in these conditions.”
Gonzalo, who has a decade of experience on Mijas beaches, stressed that his team had followed standard protocol with preventive surveillance from the start of the day.
“The key is prevention, because the sea doesn’t usually give second chances. Before entering the sea, check the condition of the beach and the risk involved. If in doubt, consult with the lifeguards deployed on the beaches,” he warned.
Local authorities have reminded tourists that ignoring red flags not only puts lives in danger – but could also land them fines of around £1,500.
AlamyPeñón del Cura beach is notorious for its powerful currents, and on the day of the incident, the waves were so strong they crashed almost to the end of the shore[/caption]
Fuengirola complainsThe boy was buoyed up by rescuers and given first aid on the sand[/caption] Published: [#item_custom_pubDate]
