Heroic act: Arab man honoured for saving 2 girls from drowning at Al Mamzar Beach

Sharjah: The Sharjah Civil Defence has honored an Arab man whose quick action and bravery saved the lives of two young girls from drowning at Al Mamzar Lagoon Beach.

Brigadier Yousif Obaid Harmoul Al Shamsi, Director General of Sharjah Civil Defence, and Brigadier Saeed Obaid Rashid Al Suwaidi, Deputy Director General, visited the two girls to check on their health and ensure their full recovery after the drowning  incident.

The officials expressed their relief at the children’s safety and praised the swift response that prevented a tragedy. Brigadier Al Shamsi said that the case reflected the strength of community spirit and social responsibility that Sharjah continuously strives to promote.

“Saving lives represents the highest form of national duty,” he said. “Such humanitarian acts embody courage and compassion, and they inspire a culture of cooperation and shared responsibility within our society.”

Brigadier Al Shamsi also reminded beachgoers of the importance of following safety guidelines in coastal and swimming areas, noting that awareness remains the first line of defense against potential dangers. He emphasized that the Civil Defence continues to enhance public awareness through campaigns and educational programs focused on families and children, in line with the UAE’s vision to make human safety a top national priority.

Brigadier Al Shamsi and Brigadier Al Suwaidi presented an award to Qasem Mohamed Al Sayed Mahmoud, the young man who courageously rescued the two girls. The officials praised his bravery, describing his act as a reflection of true civic duty and community responsibility.

Brigadier Al Suwaidi said the heroic response serves as a reminder of how individual awareness and quick thinking can make the difference between life and death.

The Sharjah Civil Defence urged the public to remain vigilant at beaches and swimming pools, never leave children unsupervised near water, ensure that rescue and first-aid tools are accessible, and always check weather and sea conditions before entering the water.

“Protecting lives is a shared responsibility,” the Authority said in a statement. “It begins with awareness and ends with safety — ensuring that Sharjah and the UAE remain a safe and welcoming place for everyone.”

Speaking to Gulf News, 25-year-old Egyptian Qasem Mohamed Al Sayed Mahmoud recounted the tense moments that unfolded that night. On Saturday around 8.30 pm, after finishing work, he had gone to Al Mamzar Beach to relax. The beach was crowded, and as he sat near the shore, he suddenly heard frantic screams and shouting. Looking around, he saw a young girl struggling in the water, while others called for help.

According to the family, they had just arrived at the beach and were arranging their belongings when the girls wandered into the water and were quickly pulled in by the current.

“I heard someone shouting that he needed a swimmer because he couldn’t swim himself,” Mahmoud said. “I didn’t hesitate. I threw my phone and car keys aside and ran into the sea.”

He first managed to pull the older girl to safety and then went back for the younger one. While the older girl regained consciousness quickly, the younger girl remained unresponsive despite immediate first aid.

Emergency services, including ambulance crews and the Civil Defence, arrived shortly after, and the rescue operation took roughly half an hour. The girls, aged 4 Mauritanian from and 8 Sudanese, were then taken to the Al Qassimi hospital.

Mahmoud, who is 180 cm tall, said the water was unexpectedly deep at the spot where the girls had been pulled. “Even at my height, there was no seaboard under my feet,” he said.

Police also noted that one of the girls’ mothers had tried to save them but began to struggle in the water herself before bystanders helped pull her to safety.

Sharjah Civil Defence praised Mahmoud’s quick thinking and selflessness, noting that his courageous actions helped avert what could have been a tragic incident.

Both girls were released from the hospital on Tuesday, having fully recovered from the incident.