This lifeguard has done something truly incredible.

Recently, a Brazilian man decided to go swimming along the country’s beautiful coastline. Unfortunately for him, he seems to have picked the absolute worst place to do it — the middle of a riptide. Quickly, the man gets stuck in the current, being repeatedly thrown into the waves as they wash along a channel of rocks.

Then, a hero emerges — a lifeguard with a mission.

@tiaggolobo Perrengue no arpoador! #salvavidas #bombeirosrj #cidademaravilhosa #mar #perigo #onda #afoganento #foryou #warning #rayn ♬ som original - Tiago lobo

For those who have never been in a rip current, it’s difficult to explain just how hopeless the experience can feel. You’re completely out-of-control, fully at the whims of the water as it tosses and turns you. This helplessness is one of the reasons why rip currents account for more than 100 deaths each year in the U.S. alone.

This lifeguard, however, doesn’t give a damn about the stats. He’s got a job to do, and by god, he’s going to do it!

As shown in the video, the lifeguard jumps in without a second thought. He makes a few attempts to bring the swimmer against the rocks, then makes a break for the shore in between waves. Eventually, the lifeguard is able to rescue the man, who promptly grabs onto the rocks with the intensity of a person who has just seen God.

Next time you’re at the beach, thank your local lifeguard — and please, don’t go swimming in a rip current.