Travellers spot saltwater crocodile below surface at a remote waterhole in WA’s north moments before swim

Travellers narrowly avoided a frightening encounter with a saltwater crocodile moments before they were about to jump into a waterhole for a swim. Jackson Coffey and his partner had trekked up a hill through bushland in West Australia’s northwest to see Aboriginal cave paintings. The pair planned on going for a swim at a waterhole they passed along the way but a lucky find below the surface saved them from a terrifying ordeal. Footage shared on social media shows a saltwater crocodile lying among rocks on the waterhole floor just metres below the surface. “This is a fair way back from the water too, this wouldn’t be easy, he would have to rock hop to get in here,” Mr Coffey said in a video posted to social media. “Well, that’s the thing with crocs, you can never be too careful, you get complacent very easily. “I do, I get a bit complacent, I’ve been in croc country for nearly four or five months now. “You can’t be too careful up these ways, they’re bloody everywhere these crocs, and we’re a fair way above sea level here, we had to climb up to get into this pool where he’s hidden out.” The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions warned people not to be complacent in West Australia’s northwest as crocodiles can be in any waterway. The website states crocodiles can remain hidden underwater for long periods of time and they cannot always be seen but people should assume all water bodies in the Kimberley contain dangerous crocodiles. “WA’s north west is ‘Crocodile Country,’” the website states. “Crocs are deadly ... dangerous, and attacks can be fatal. “Don’t become complacent. “If in doubt do not swim, canoe or use small boats where crocodiles may live.”