Mothers screamed in fear as a large crocodile swam perilously close to children taking part in an open-water swimming competition.
Parents were the first to spot the reptile just metres from the young competitors and instantly raised the alarm.
In the footage, frantic shouts of “crocodile, crocodile” were heard echoing across the water.
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One woman yelled: “Get the girl out of here – there are two girls over there!”
Meanwhile, the crocodile was seen thrashing in the water near the race area while paddleboarders further out remained oblivious to the danger.
An official on a jet ski raced to the scene within moments, positioning his watercraft between the croc and the spooked swimmers.
The reptile submerged and disappeared into deeper waters, allowing the children to be evacuated safely.
The drama unfolded in the Caribbean Sea off the coast of Cozumel Island, Mexico, at around midday on Sunday (31 May).
The large reptile appeared during a children’s event organised by Mexico’s Naval Secretariat, as reported by Need To Know.
Organisers immediately suspended the competition for safety concerns and urged the local community to avoid the area and remain vigilant.
The authorities stressed that such encounters are uncommon but serve as a reminder of the need for constant surveillance in open-water venues.
A local tour guide said: “It’s rare to see them near swimming areas, but if marine life appears in Cozumel, the correct thing to do is get out of the water, notify staff, and not approach to take photos.”
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