Hero lifeguard, 55, saves family from drowning in Fuerteventura sea

A hero lifeguard has been praised after he saved four members of the same family from drowning in the sea off Fuerteventura. The 55-year-old rescued the holidaymakers after the got into serious trouble on the Spanish island's Grandes Playas de Corralejo. He is said to have spotted the tourists, believed to be from Britain, struggling in the water a considerable distance away from the shore at around 2.30pm local time on Friday. The lifeguard had been keeping an eye from his watch tower when he spotted them struggling. He immediately left his post and began running down the beach before entering the water to swim for the family. After reaching them, he was able to keep all four afloat before rescue teams could arrive. According to the Canarian Weekly, a rescue jet ski arrived a short while later with two lifeguard on board who could help bringing the family back to shore. After arriving back on land, rescuers said a teenager was showing the signs of "non-fatal drowning". The child was treated and the Canary Island Emergency Services alerted. Paramedics arrived at the beach a few minutes later and the youngster was taken to hospital. Local media reports they are now out of danger. Other lifeguards meanwhile praised the man for his fitness and believe his early intervention prevented a possible tragedy, reports the Mirror. He was capable of swimming a considerable distance from the shore and kept the family afloat, something that required significant strength and endurance. Following the rescue, there have been calls for more information, warning and restrictions on the beach, as well as information displayed in multiple languages. Lifeguards believe multilingual signs could prevent tourists from misunderstand the dangerous conditions at sea. They have argued that making sure beachgoers can understand safety instructions could help prevent fatal incidents, especially on beaches where the currents can be challenging and difficult sea conditions may not be immediately clear. The rescue comes just months after a tourist died in Fuerteventura after suffering a cardiac arrest while being saved from the sea by helicopter The man was rescued by a helicopter in June. After being winched to safety, crews found he was in cardiac arrest an immediately began CPR while transporting him to a nearby landing site. Paramedics, a medical helicopter crew and staff from a local health centre attempted to resucitate the man, but he was pronounced dead at the scene. A second swimmer managed to reach the shore without assistance and was treated on the beach by paramedics. Want to see more of the stories you love from the Irish Mirror? Making us your preferred source on Google means you'll get more of our exclusives... To add Irish Mirror as a preferred source, simply click here.