Santa swaps reindeer sleigh for jet ski and rescues bathers

By Jörg Vogelsänger

Rio de Janeiro - How good it is when Santa Claus is also a lifeguard: during a Christmas event in Rio de Janeiro, a firefighter dressed as Santa Claus had to rescue several bathers in distress.

From his jet ski, the disguised fireman handed out presents to the children on the beach.
From his jet ski, the disguised fireman handed out presents to the children on the beach.  © Bruna Prado/AP Photo/dpa

According to Brazilian media reports, Sergeant Thiago Carvalho de Paiva had initially distributed gifts to children with disabilities on Copacabana beach from a jet ski on Tuesday (local time).

However, he then saw that three stand-up paddlers were having difficulty returning to the shore.

So he immediately changed the course of his water motorcycle to rush to their aid and bring them back to the beach unharmed.

As a firefighter, Carvalho de Paiva is usually involved in water rescue operations, it was reported.

The action at Copacabana was a collaboration between the fire department and a local citizens' initiative for the benefit of children with disabilities.