This is the dramatic moment a man saves a little girl from drowning after she was accidentally swept away by the waves while playing on the beach.

The incident happened as several families visited the seaside in Shenzhen, in Guangdong Province, southern China, on November 12.

One of them had apparently lost sight of their little daughter, who appeared to be around one or two years old, and she had wandered off through the crowd that stood right next to the water.

A tall wave suddenly swept over her and dragged her off towards the sea. Luckily, a man, dressed in a blue shirt and black trousers, noticed she went underwater and ran into the sea to help her.

He was filmed as he pulled her up and carried her towards the shore. His quick action was praised by the surrounding people who cheered and applauded at the rescue.

The girl was unharmed and her parents later picked her up and left, local media said.

Officials said swimming is prohibited on the beach and children are only allowed with the accompaniment of parents or guardians.

They used the opportunity to remind citizens and tourists to pay attention to their own safety and adhere to the rules set in place at the beach.