Dramatic moment swimmer 'sitting feet from sure death' is rescued from rapids

This is the dramatic moment a swimmer was pulled to safety after he was found stranded and clinging to a rock just metres from a waterfall.

Kalani Tuiono was reportedly swimming in the popular Emerald Pools, in the Yuba River in northern California, when he was swept away by the rapids.

The 25-year-old was lucky to survive the ordeal, having been “submerged several times”.

A dramatic video, taken from rescuers in an overhead helicopter, shows him sat on a lone rock just metres from a perilous waterfall waving for help.

In the footage a man a can be seen being lowered from the helicopter in a secure cage, while instructing the helicopter where to drop him.

A relieved Mr Tuiono is then pulled to safety.

In an emotional post on Facebook, he told how he was dragged about like a “rag doll” under water.

He said: “I was underwater for what felt like minutes and was thrown around like a rag doll. I washed up onto a rock stomach down and puked immediately.

“I was on the rock for an hour until search and rescue came and saved me via helicopter.

“My life was saved today thanks to Truckee fire department, Cali fire, and California Highway patrol. I have never had a more humbling experience.

“There is definitely someone upstairs looking down on me making sure I stay alive.”

Authorities said they received a phone call from the stranded swimmer and were able to find him after about half an hour searching the river.

A statement from California Highway Patrol said: “He went over small falls, rocks, was submerged several times, and was able to find the lone rock in the middle of the river before the 40- to 50-foot drop.

California Highway Patrol Sgt. Duncan Jensen told The Washington Post rescuers found the man “sitting just feet from sure death”.