A large pod of playful dolphins transfixed onlookers at Tuross Head and enthralled a local photographer.
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Kirsty Lee said it was "a magical moment" when the dolphins came in close to the shore at Plantation Beach, on Monday morning, January 6.
She managed to photograph them leaping out of the water as they enjoyed a feed. In some of her photos, it appears around 10-15 dolphins were in the pod.
Kirsty posted a gallery of her photos to a local Facebook community page where numerous other members shared her excitement about the experience.
"It was a magical moment when I looked around and the whole beach had stopped and was living in a moment shared by maybe 100 people," she said.
"They were amazing to watch and capture."
In several of her photos, a jetskier can be seen very close to the marine mammals.
However, Kirsty said the person on board was "definitely doing the right thing" with their motor off.
"Their engine was off for sure. They were there before the dolphins.
"They were also diving," she added.
No doubt the divers had just as much of an incredible experience as did those on the beach.
However, Kirsty was a little more reluctant to take a dip herself.
"I've seen a few sharks along the beaches here. I was planning on going for a swim but thought twice seeing these dolphins going to town on all the food close to shore!"
Don't get too close
Last month, the National Parks and Wildlife Service issued a caution to a jetskier who was witnessed riding close to a whale at Bass Point, south of Wollongong.
In that instance, photos showed the whale seemingly annoyed by the jetskier's proximity, leaping high into the air and narrowly missing them on the way down.
The jetski rider had been coming in very close to a group of whales, well within the 300m exclusion zone set by law for watercraft such as jet skis.
NPWS warned people they could be fined up to $1320 for breaching regulations by coming too close to whales and other marine mammals.
While the jetski rider in the Bass Point incident was identified, he was only given a caution.
Minimum approach distances
If you are a swimmer, snorkeller or diver, to observe a marine mammal, you may enter the water at a minimum distance of 100 metres away from a whale, or 50 metres from a dolphin or dugong.
If you are in the water, you must keep at least 30 metres from a whale, dolphin or dugong, including a calf.
"Prohibited vessels" - such as jetskis - must stay at least 300 metres away from a whale, dolphin or dugong.
If you are stationary in the water and a marine mammal approaches you, slowly move back to at least the minimum approach distance. Never chase it, try to touch it or restrict its path.
Ben Smyth
Twice weekly
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