Schreiber 'cheats death' in surfing accident

Liev Schreiber has narrowly escaped death while learning how to surf in Australia.

The actor was on holiday with partner Naomi Watts when the near-drowning occurred, according to WENN.

The 42-year-old was caught in a riptide when he tried to give surfing a try and was dragged into a cove where waves pound against a rock wall.

"It was like a washing machine. I've never experienced a break like it. It was so quick and strong with no room to get out at the end," he told Sydney's Daily Telegraph. "The break just picked me up and dumped me in the rocks and wouldn't let me up.

"My leash got tangled around both legs so I couldn't get my legs out to swim. That's when I started sucking down water."

Schreiber credits his training as a teen lifeguard with saving his life.