Seconds from drowning: Stranded swimmer rescued in terrifying surf

Terrifying images have captured the moment a woman out for an early morning swim was left screaming for help as she was battered by 10-foot waves

Getty photographer Jenny Evans was at Sydney’s Bronte Beach early on Thursday morning to try and capture some images of the big surf when she heard a loud scream from a woman named “Susy”.

Fortunately, she wasn’t the only one that heard her screams.

Bondi lifeguards Andrew Reid and Troy Stewart had just arrived at Bronte for their 7am shift and could see the swimmer’s hands flailing amid the treacherous conditions.

For a brief moment she managed to return to her feet but was again swept away, with Ms Evans’ photographing the distressing moment the swimmer disappears under a crushing wave.

“It was so distressing to see her go under. There was a moment when I thought ‘she’s gone’,” Ms Evans told News Corp.

“She was so lucky there were lifeguards there because nobody can swim in that kind of water.”

After grabbing their gear, Mr Reid made a beeline for the rocks, while Mr Stewart used the strong rip to his advantage, pulling him out to the stranded swimmer.

“I started running down and saw she was in a precarious spot copping 10-foot sets, she looked tiny and all I could think was how did she get out there?” Mr Reid told the Daily Mail.

“I’ve seen a lot of people drown and I can say I think she was going under for the last time,” Mr Reid said.

As that rescue unfolded, another took place just metres away. A Good Samaritan who had rushed to Susy’s aid had also become stranded, before fellow Bondi Rescue lifeguard Anthony Carroll rushed to his rescue.

Mr Carroll then rushed back to help his fellow colleagues, helping pull Susy onto a paddle board and out of the surf.

The incredible set of photographs shows the moment the exhausted swimmer is carried from the water’s edge.

She was later taken to hospital due to possible salt water remaining in her lungs, according to The Australian.

The Bureau of Meteorology on Thursday issued a surf warning as massive waves continue to hit the NSW coast. The hazardous conditions are expected to render many coastal activities such as rock fishing, boating, and swimming too dangerous.