Figure 8 pools: man missing after being swept into the ocean

A man is missing and another is injured after being swept from a notoriously dangerous swimming spot in Sydney’s south today. Helicopters are sweeping the popular tourist spot for the missing man.

A man is missing after he was swept into the ocean near the Figure 8 Pools south of Sydney. Picture: Instagram

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A man is missing and another is injured after being swept from a notoriously dangerous swimming spot in Sydney’s south today.

The Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter started flying towards the Figure 8 Pools in the Royal National Park at 1.50pm on Monday.

Paramedics also sent three crews to the popular tourist spot, which is extremely dangerous during high tides when swimmers are frequently overcome by large waves.

The 22-year-old man was seen to disappear underwater and not resurface.

The Figure 8 Pools near Lilydale.

Life Saver 21 and the Toll Ambulance helicopters are still searching for a man, believed to be 22 years old, who is reportedly missing in the ocean.

One is standing by with a winch, while the other has dropped sea dye into the water to confirm speed and direction of the heavy currents.

A man is missing and another is injured after being swept from a notoriously dangerous swimming spot in Sydney’s south today. Picture: Westpac Rescue Helicopter

Another male was treated on a rock ledge for minor lacerations by the helicopter’s rescue crew officer.

He was able to climb to safety on the rock ledge.

Three other people were with the two men at the time but were not injured.

The swimming spot is so dangerous during high tide the State Government implemented an online warning system that helps prospective visitors determine the level of risk on any given day.

Today the Wave Risk Rating at Figure 8 Pools was categorised as extreme.

Freak waves at Figure 8 Pools in 2017.

“Do not visit. You can’t see Figure Eight Pools because it’s underwater. Waves are washing over the whole rock shelf,” the site’s warning read.

“If you’re in the rock pools you’ll be trapped and thrown against the rocks, before being washed out of the pools and dragged across the rock shelf.

“If you’re standing on the rock shelf you’ll be knocked over by waves and dragged across it. You could also be washed into the ocean.

“You’ll risk severe injuries, including broken bones and head injuries.”

The Wave Risk Rating tool helps Figure 8 visitors check the conditions before making the journey down.

Environment minister Gabrielle Upton said last year the Wave Risk Rating tool converts complex ocean data into easy danger ratings.

“Many victims have been injured in the rock pools by large waves crashing over the platform, which is only accessible at low tide,” Ms Upton said.

“It is in your interest to check out the risk rating when planning your trip and again just before you depart.

“Be prepared to cancel your trip if the risk is high or extreme.”

The pools are near Burning Palms Beach.

Emergency services minister Troy Grant said emergency services often had to rescue people in hazardous yet avoidable conditions.

“Anyone intending to visit the site will be doing the community and themselves a huge favour if they check the risk rating tool first and make their plans based on its rating so they can stay safe,” Mr Grant said.

“In short, if there is a high risk, plan to visit a different beautiful spot in a national park.”

The popular pools’ popularity soared due to their picturesque configuration, which attracts Australians looking for the perfect Instagram shot.

It has been a horror summer for drowning with 105 dying around Australia.

In NSW 37 people have died this summer.

More to come.