Teen attacked by crocodile after being dared to jump in river

A teenage boy was bitten by a crocodile after he jumped into a Queensland river for an apparent dare.

Paramedics say Lee de Paauw is lucky to be alive after he was grabbed on the left arm by the predator as he climbed out of the Johnstone River on Fitzgerald Esplanade at around 2.30am on Sunday.

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The 18-year-old was able to punch the crocodile with his right arm and escaped, ABC reports.

He was taken to Innisfail hospital before being treated for significant injuries to his arm and hand in Cairns.

Queensland paramedic Neil Noble told the Guardian: "Hopefully surgeons can help him and restore full use of his arm."

He added: "Reports from the scene are he was dared to jump into the water, which he did and unfortunately that area is well known for its crocodile population."

Mr Noble explained: "Certainly to get out the water was absolutely vital in case that crocodile was able to get a good grip on him and do the death roll and then drown him."

Saltwater crocodiles are one of the most dangerous creatures in Australia and are responsible for a number of fatal attacks on humans.