Talk of the town: Deer spotted swimming at North Wollongong beach

Wollongong walkers were greeted with a strange sight this morning as three deer took a trip to the beach.

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Morning walkers at Wollongong witnessed a rare sight this morning, with several deer making their way to the beach for a morning dip.

The deers beachside presence was the talk of the town.

It also sparked an emergency response after they took off into the water.

Two of the deer on a rock shelf at North Wollongong on July 4. Picture: Karl Runeson.

A Fire and Rescue technical rescue crew parked at North Wollongong’s Blue Mile to check in on the swimming duo after receiving reports three deer had made their way down to the waters edge.

One of the deer spotted in the water at North Wollongong on July 4. Picture: Karl Runeson.

While three deer were initially spotted near the rock pools, NSW Fire and Rescue senior Firefighter George Misios said one took off toward Puckeys Estate, leaving the other two who went for a dip.

Deer spotted at North Wollongong Beach. Picture: Mia Bronneberg

“They swam out, they kept going and going and going,” he said

“We got the lifesavers out on their jet skis looking for them to hopefully turning them back to shore.”

Mr Misios said one of the deer got out of the water at Fairy Meadow, while the other still has not been found.

“We’ve never seen them this far down,” he said.

“You see them up Mt Keira way but certainly not at the beach.”

His comments were mimicked by several joggers this morning, who stopped to get a glimpse of the deer sitting pretty on a rock shelf in the harbour.

“I’ve never seen anything like it,” a walker by the name of Cheryl said.

“It’s made my day to be quite frank, but I do hope they get out safely. Who knew they could swim.”

Early this afternoon, one of the deer climbed the embankment near to the Continental Pool. Due to concerns for both the animal’s welfare and community safety, the Blue Mile was cordoned off to the public and the deer was euthanized.

In a statement, Wollongong City Council said the animal tranquilised onsite by an appropriately qualified contactor.

“Once tranquilised, it was euthanized,” the statement said.

“NSW Police worked closely with council staff to ensure community safety while this work was undertaken.”