Bermudian hotel worker Sidney Mello was hailed a hero after he dived into a dangerous rip tide to rescue a drowning woman.

Mr Mello, a beach supervisor, swam 50 metres to pull the guest to safety and he carried her back to shore above his head as waves crashed in.

The 22-year-old, who has worked at the Rosewood Tucker’s Point Beach Club for five years, jumped into action when he heard the woman screaming for help.

He said: “At first I thought I was hearing things. But then as I looked out to sea I could see there was someone in real trouble.

“Another guy was running into the water and trying to help a child back to shore, and I could see there was an older woman around 50 metres offshore in difficulty.

“The water was rough and there was a real rip that had dragged her all the way along the beach.

“By the time I reached her she was pretty fatigued, so I tried to get under her and lift her head above the water so she could breathe.

“The waves were still coming down hard, but when we got to a level where I could stand I just held her above my head and tried to walk against the current.

“It was hard work — I would say we were in the water battling the waves for two or three minutes, so by the time we reached the beach she was absolutely exhausted.”

The drama happened on September 16 off the Rosewood Tucker’s Point.

Details of the rescue became public only this week as modest hotel worker did not want a fuss.

It is not the first time that Mr Mello has come to the aid of a guest.

He has been involved in two other rescues on the South Shore beach and is known by staff at the hotel for his professionalism.

Management at the hotel praised Mr Mello’s life-saving actions.

Guido Brambilla, the hotel’s food and beverage executive manager, said: “What he did was incredible, but he does so much around the place.

“We have a disabled member that Sidney has become good friends with and he personally takes him out swimming when it’s safe to do so.

“The job that the guys on the beach do is one of the most tiring.

“They work long days in the sun and still have to remember to put a smile on the guests’ faces.”

Gioacchino Di Meglio, director at the resort, added: “This is a special guy; he’s very sincere and works hard.

“He sets a great example for everyone else to follow.”

But Mr Mello said: “I just try to help out as best I can.”