A six-year-old boy was rescued from strong currents at Peñón del Cura beach in Mijas, Málaga, thanks to the quick response of lifeguards and nearby beachgoers. The child had been pulled about 15 metres from shore by a powerful rip current on a day marked by red flags and rough seas.

Not only was the boy brought to safety, but a man who jumped in to help him also became trapped by the current. With quick teamwork, lifeguards and swimmers created a human chain that brought both safely to shore.

Hazardous Conditions at the Beach

The rescue happened around 2 p.m. on September 9 in a rocky area of the beach known for dangerous currents. The situation escalated when a group of children ignored repeated warnings from lifeguards, and one of them could not make it back on their own.

On this day, strong winds and high waves had made swimming unsafe. The red flag system, used across Spanish beaches to warn about dangerous sea conditions, had been raised early in the morning. Red flags indicate that entering the water is prohibited due to strong currents or rough surf.

🛟 Socorristas y bañistas tuvieron que formar una cadena para salvar a un hombre que estuvo cerca de ahogarse en la playa del Peñón del Cura, en Mijas.

📹 Vídeo: @fuengirolasequeja
📲 Toda la información del fin de semana en https://t.co/XrOoC7il3m#Sucesos #Mijas #Málaga… pic.twitter.com/QynCHhSldM

— 101TV Málaga (@101tvMalaga) September 7, 2025

Lifeguards and Bystanders Work Together

The child was the first to be rescued, followed by the adult, with the human chain providing the crucial support to reach safety. The coordinated effort of lifeguards and beachgoers turned what could have been a tragedy into a successful rescue.

A Reminder to Respect the Flags

This incident is a reminder of how quickly things can go wrong at sea. Rip currents are common along the coast of Spain, and swimmers sometimes ignore the flags or forget to check them. Always pay attention to warning flags and lifeguard instructions. Even shallow water can be dangerous when the current is strong. Following safety guidelines is the best way to prevent accidents and keep everyone on the beach safe.