A man has been arrested amid accusations he tried to drown his child at the beach.
Police were called to the Dampier foreshore in Western Australia's north on Monday morning after locals intervened and recovered the child.
There they arrested the man who is assisting with their inquiries.
The child was taken to hospital for assessment but appeared unhurt.
Anyone who witnessed the incident was asked to come forward.
Police said those people who came to the aid of the child were to be commended for their bravery.
