Thanks to bathers forming a chain into the surf, they were able to save a child of six from being carried away by the current.

This occurred minutes before 14.00h last Saturday on the Playa del Peñón del Cura, in Mijas. According to the Town Hall, the red flag had been flying on that beach.

The beach is known locally for its strong surf and currents, as well as the danger of being swept up against the nearby rocks.

Despite the strong surf, five minors had entered the water and all managed to get out again except for one; the 6-year old who was being swept out. Seeing this, a man decided to go in to rescue the child, only to be carried out himself, which is when the lifeguards realised what was happening and entered into action.

Three of them swam out and another organised a human chain stretching out into the surf with about a dozen participating.

Fortunately, both the would-be rescuer and the child were brought back to the beach. The child was none the worse for his ordeal but the man was utterly exhausted by his efforts. An ambulance arrived but was not needed in the end.

It always makes a change to be able to report positive news.

(News: Mijas, Costa del Sol, Malaga, Andalucia)

Keywords: Heavy Surf, Rescued, Child, Human Chain, Strong Currents, Red Flag, Lifeguards

news, andalucia, malaga, costa del sol, mijas, heavy surf, rescued, child, human chain, strong currents, red flag, lifeguards