A father-of-two has been credited by the Leichardt Police Area Command in NSW for saving a three-year-old girl after she fell 3 metres into the water.

Scott Windon was with his two daughters when he noticed 3-year-old Mia Bullimore fall into the water.

“With everyone in a panic, not knowing how to reach little Mia as she started to sink into the depths of the harbour, Scott Windon sprang into action,” Leichhardt Police Area Command said.

Scott lowered himself over the drop and onto the rocks that were covered with sharp oysters.

“He scooped little Mia before she had gone completely under the water,” police added.

“He placed her under his left arm and walked over more rock-oysters, then swam 70 meters to the nearest exit point to hand Mia to the waiting arms of her parents Ian and Phoebe.”

His actions were praised by the police.

“Not all heroes wear capes,” Leichhardt Police said.

“This incident could have easily led to yet another tragic drowning death of a child, if it were not for the quick thinking, selfless, heroic actions of Scott Windon.

“His actions have not only saved little Mia’s life but has spared the horror and heartache for her family, her friends, and numerous first responders that would have had to attend to the tragic drowning of a little child.”

Luckily, Mia left the encounter with a slight bump on her head while Scott was injured with three deep cuts to both his feet, cuts and lacerations to his lower legs, knees, thighs and the palm of both hands.

He was treated at the scene and then transported to Royal Prince Alfred Hospital where he received stitches and underwent surgery to treat his wounds.