Spectacular images have captured the moment an unsuspecting man and child were slammed by a giant freak wave while relaxing in an ocean pool.
The pair were seen cooling off during hot weather on Friday at the Newcastle Ocean Baths, on the New South Wales coast.
Images show the man walking in the deep end of the toddler’s pool with the child as they look out at the wild swell from the comfort of the sheltered ocean bath.
Spectacular images have captured the moment an unsuspecting man and child were slammed by a giant freak wave while relaxing at Newcastle Ocean Baths, on the New South Wales coast
Images show the man walking in the deep end of the toddler’s pool with the child last week as they look out at the wild swell from the comfort of the sheltered ocean bath
The pair were caught by surprise, as a freak wave rolled in over the rocks and engulfed the ocean bath
They appear to remain unfazed by the conditions despite the massive waves building and crashing into rocks just metres away.
But then they are caught by surprise, as the freak wave rolls in over the rocks and engulfs the ocean bath.
The man can be seen quickly sweeping the child up in his arms to protect her from being washed away.
The pair are then seen battling to keep their head above water in the pool, which has turned into white suds from the massive crashing wave.
Pictures show the pair battling to keep their head above water in the pool, which turned into white suds from the massive crashing wave
Authorities issued warnings on Monday and Tuesday for dangerous swells, including waves up to four metres high on the NSW coastline
Photographer Peter Lorimer said lifeguards were warning people away from the larger ocean baths as the waves continued to build.
‘There were constant warnings for people to get away. The sea wasn’t that big but you could tell it was building and surfers were being told to get out,’ he told Daily Mail Australia.
New South Wales’ coastline has continued to receive a battering from wild surf this week in the wake of Tropical Cyclone Gita.
Authorities issued warnings on Monday and Tuesday for dangerous swells, including waves up to four metres high.
Meteorologist Max Gonzalez told Daily Mail Australia the dangerous surf was a result of the cyclone which hit Tonga last week.
Mr Gonzalez warned waves would reach about two metres off the coast of Sydney on Monday, before picking up overnight.
Despite beaches along the state’s coastline being closed over the weekend, lifesavers rescued about 150 people from dangerous surf
Surf Life Saving NSW Liam Howitt warned swimmers, surfers, and fishermen to steer clear of the water, particularly in the state’s north
Despite beaches along the state’s coastline being closed over the weekend, lifesavers rescued about 150 people from dangerous surf.
Surf Life Saving NSW Liam Howitt warned swimmers, surfers, and fishermen to steer clear of the water, particularly in the state’s north.
‘Northern New South Wales is expected to experience extremely strong conditions, with waves in excess of four metres as a result of the system pushing down from Queensland,’ he said.
‘So as a lifesaving community, we’re certainly encouraging everyone to be extremely careful before heading out and not to overestimate their ability or underestimate the conditions.’