PUTATAN: A child was successfully rescued by bystanders after being swept away by waves while swimming at Gorongon Beach earlier today.
The incident occurred at 5pm when six children were swimming at the beach, and one of them was suddenly pulled out by the strong waves.
The 11-year-old victim was fortunate to receive immediate assistance from nearby individuals who witnessed the situation, even before the firefighters arrived at the scene.
Putatan Fire and Rescue Station (BBP) chief Noorsherriyana Bohari said they received an emergency call at 5.14pm.
"The victim's friends tried to help, but they were unable to reach him. They then called for assistance from nearby bystanders. Four adult men, who witnessed the incident, swam towards the victim, who had been carried about 50 metres away from the original spot," she said.
The victim managed to cling to a container while being swept away and was safely rescued by the group of men and brought back to the shore.
The operation concluded at 5.43pm.