An unknown man leapt into the ocean near Willard Beach in Ballito this morning  to rescue a swimmer in trouble.

According to KwaDukuza lifeguard superintendent Bogani Xulu, lifeguards spotted a man swimming at the beach in front of La Montagne Hotel and went to investigate.

”When the lifeguards got there, they realised that he was actually rescueing someone else, who had got into difficulty while swimming.

“Paramedics were called and the patient was given first aid before being airlifted to hospital,” said Xulu.