After handing over presents

“Santa Claus” rescued surfers in Rio de Janeiro

Santa Claus without a reindeer carriage, but on a nippy jet ski in Rio e Janeiro. The disguised fireman saved a few water sports enthusiasts along the way.(Bild: Associated Press)

How good it is when Santa Claus is also a lifeguard: during a Christmas event in Rio de Janeiro, a fireman dressed as Santa Claus had to rescue several surfers in distress. He had previously distributed presents to children with disabilities on the beach ...

Thiago Carvalho de Paiva had just made children happy by handing out presents on Copacabana beach dressed as Santa Claus. Then, according to Brazilian media, he saw three stand-up paddlers having difficulty getting to the shore.

The spectacular gift delivery was followed by the no less dramatic rescue of the stand-up paddlers.(Bild: APA/Associated Press)

Helper is usually involved in water rescue
So he immediately changed the course of his jet ski to rush to their aid and bring them to the beach unharmed. As a firefighter, Carvalho de Paiva usually works in water rescue, it was further reported. The action at Copacabana was a collaboration between the fire department and a local citizens' initiative for the benefit of children with disabilities.