Newport nipper Leo Stevens helped rescue a man at Mona Vale Basin

MEET the pint-sized 9-year-old nipper who showed remarkable courage to help rescue a middle-aged man who was drowning at a Sydney beach.

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MEET the unexpected hero who helped save a drowning man’s life at Mona Vale Basin. Pint-sized Newport nipper Leo Stevens is just nine years old.

But while carrying out a dramatic surf rescue on Saturday, he showed a level of courage and skill that was years beyond his age.

While out paddling on his nipper board, Leo saw a middle-aged man who was in obvious distress.

Newport nipper Leo Stevens, 9, and his dad Rod, helped rescue a guy in trouble while swimming at Mona Vale Basin. Picture: Troy Snook

Leo then paddled over to the man and stabilised him on his board before his father, Rod, arrived to assist.

Leo then swam 150m into shore and ran about 300m to Mona Vale Surf Life Saving Club to ask for further assistance.

During that time Leo’s father had pulled the man ashore, where he was assessed to be breathing and deemed OK.

Leo helped rescue the man at Mona Vale Basin.

Mr Stevens said he was incredibly proud of his son’s actions.

“At that age, to have the presence mind to go over, recognisee there is a problem and then be prepared to put his hand up to swim in … I’m very proud,” he said.

“A lot of children might have panicked, it’s a pretty scary situation when you see a guy who is drowning.”

Newport nipper Leo Stevens, 9, and his dad Rod, helped rescue a man in trouble while swimming at Mona Vale Basin. Picture: Troy Snook

Leo, who was eight at the time of the rescue before celebrating his birthday the following day, said, ironically, swimming wasn’t one of his strengths.

“At nippers the scariest thing for me is swimming,” he said.

“I feel really proud of myself, I’ve never heard of someone doing a rescue at this age,”