KUANTAN: Quick action by Civil Defence Force (APM) lifeguards saved a father and his 10-year-old son from drowning at the popular Teluk Cempedak beach here yesterday.
A large wave is believed to have pulled the 35-year-old man and his son, both Cambodian nationals, into a deeper area before the victims began to call for help during the 2.40pm incident.
District APM officer Captain (PA) Shaifu Nizam Ab Rahman said some beachgoers who spotted the victims in trouble had alerted the lifeguards on duty.
"Two lifeguards used a rescue surf to approach the victims who were about 50m from the shore before helping them to return to the beach. The young victim was wearing a safety buoy and his father managed to cling on to the buoy after they were pulled(towards a deeper section) by the waves.
"The victims from Temerloh were believed to have gone into the water for a swim before they faced difficulties due to the waves. Both victims are out of danger," he said, reminding swimmers to comply with the red flag warning.
It is learnt that red flags have been raised at all popular beaches in the state including Teluk Cempedak to warn beach-goers about potential strong waves.
Meanwhile, a lifeguard who declined to be named said due to the current hot weather, picnickers choose to enter the water for a dip without realising the threat posed by the waves.
"Picnickers have to be careful as the water here becomes deep just after several meters from the shore and strong waves can push them towards the deeper section. Always be on the alert, especially children," he said.
Last week, Pahang APM director Colonel Che Adam A. Rahman said in anticipatiion of a surge in visitors at the beaches during the festive holidays, lifeguards will be stationed at Pantai Sepat, Teluk Cempedak and Cherating in Kuantan, as well as Pantai Hiburan in Rompin between 7am and 7pm, with five members deployed at each beach.