A MAN nearly lost his own life saving his pet dog after the two were swept from rocks by monster swell at Black Head.
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The man and dog fell about five metres onto rocks on Tuesday when they were knocked over by a wave, before being swept into the sea.
The 51-year-old man sustained head, neck and chest injuries as well as lacerations, but still managed to push his dog to safety.
Bystanders then assisted the man out of the water, despite dangerous waves.
A Westpac Rescue Helicopter attended the scene, with an onboard doctor and paramedic treating the man before he was airlifted to John Hunter Hospital, Newcastle.
The accident occurred a day after Surf Life Saving NSW issued a warning to swimmers, surfers and rockfishers about dangerous surf for the entire NSW coastline.
A southerly swell with waves up to four metres was forecasted for Monday and Tuesday.
