President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa of Portugal has rescued two women from drowning at an Algarve beach after their kayak capsized.

According to BBC, the 71-year President was pictured swimming over to the kayakers who were struggling in the water.

De Sousa later told the press that the women had been swept by currents from a neighbouring beach into the bay.

The Portuguese number one citizen is currently on holiday in the Algarve which is aimed at promoting tourism in the area.

Portugal’s economy relies heavily on its tourism industry, which has been hugely impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.

The President noticed the drowning women shortly after he had spoken to journalists at Praia do Alvor beach.

Video footage caught the moment he swam into the sea to assist them.

After rescuing the woman, President Sousa told journalists.

“As there is a very large west current, they were dragged out, turned around, swallowed a lot of water and were not even able to turn [the kayak], nor to climb [on it], or swim, such is the strength of the current.”

The President said he was helped by another “patriot” on the jet ski.