WATCH: Leguan saved from drowning at Richards Bay swimming beach

A LEGUAN was given a second chance at life on Thursday after almost drowning in the sea at Alkantstrand.

The reptile had reportedly been on the geobags at the swimming beach and somehow ended up in the water.

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With the raging wind and crashing waves, there was little hope of the animal getting itself out of the water to safety.

The Richards Bay SPCA was called to assist, and inspector Wynand Strauss came to the rescue.

As the tide pulled the leguan out to sea, Strauss went down onto the sand, catching the giant lizard with the net when the next set of waves rolled it back in.

The creature was still alive despite the ordeal, and was taken to the vet for a check up.