This is the dramatic moment a hero German tourist rescued two students drowning at a beach in Indonesia.

Helena Lindner, 23, was on a boat tour with local guide Rio Candra Hidayat, 18, when they noticed a group of students being battered by waves off Balekambang Beach in East Java, on April 9.

Rio steered the wooden boat closer to the struggling youngsters before Helena jumped into the sea and dragged them out of danger.

Footage shows the pair hoisting the distressed students out of the choppy waters. They were taken back to shore and given first aid.

Officials identified the rescued students as Andi Khoirul Raffi, 16, and Kayy Yugo, 15. Three other teens, Lutfi Munawar, 15, Yasir Arafat Inninawa, 15, and Fahmi Sirilah, 15, were still missing.

AKP Bambang Subinajar, spokesman for the Malang Police, said the students had allegedly ignored warning signs to swim at the beach.

He said: 'Both the foreigner and the tour guide helped evacuate the victims to the shore before officers arrived. The students and their rescuers are now in stable condition and have received medical treatment at the Bantur Health Center.

'Upon receiving the report, the Bantur Police immediately went to the location, transported the survivors, and co-ordinated with related agencies to search for the missing victims.

'We appeal to visitors not to swim in the sea trough zone and to follow the directions of officers in the field. Safety is the most important thing.'

Helena was returned to her hotel. Her friend, Marlecchino, said today that the tourist 'wants to move on first with the incident'.

Authorities said warning signs were installed to warn tourists of the deceptively deep waters and strong currents at Balekambang Beach. The fast-flowing waters were reportedly notorious for dragging unsuspecting swimmers into the deep sea trough area.

Indonesia's beaches, though stunning, pose several dangers including strong rip currents, rogue waves, and unpredictable tides that can make swimming perilous, especially for inexperienced swimmers.