Father Leaps Into Water to Save Toddler Swept Away By Giant Wave

The frightening incident occurred moments after the little girl was seen running along a seawall in North Wollongong, Australia

A father in the coastal city of North Wollongong, Australia, bravely leaped into the water after a massive wave swept his young daughter.

The dramatic rescue was captured in a video shared online by 7 News Australia, which shows the toddler running along a seawall with her father only a few steps behind her.

After a towering wave overpowers the little girl and carries her through the railing, her dad was seen jumping over the rails to the rescue.

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According to the news outlet, the daughter and father were "tossed across rocks" but made it out safely thanks to witnesses who helped pull them out.

One of the rescuers, David Graham, recalled seeing the dad "exhausted" but told 7 News that "he never let go of that kid." During the process, another woman consoled the toddler's mother, who was "hysterical" and "beside herself."

The daughter and father were treated for "swallowing seawater and minor scratches," according to Metro.

The outlet reported that a storm hit the area the day before, causing "major flooding and strong waves because of high winds."

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The New South Wales State Emergency Service issued an advisory notice on Tuesday, April 9, asking residents to stay safe with severe weather expected to continue.

Duty Commander and Acting Assistant Commissioner Dallas Burnes issued a statement warning residents to prepare their property for "strong winds."

"You can do this by following a few safety tips including clearing any overhanging branches and securing and putting away any loose items around your backyard or balcony. Given the recent extreme weather experienced across much of the coast over the last few days, the soil is already saturated so there is an increased chance of trees falling," he said.

Burnes explained that his organization had already received "more than 60 calls" from individuals across Sydney and the Central Coast reporting "leaking roofs and trees down."

The NSW Rural Fire Service also included images of how the storm has affected the area in a post on X, formerly Twitter, on Friday, April 5.

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"It's been a busy night and day for emergency services across NSW, with heavy rainfall and damaging winds impacting much of the state's east coast. RFS volunteers continue to assist the NSW SES respond to fallen trees, downed powerlines, flood rescue and clean up," the organization wrote.

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