Australia Weather News

Newcastle locals hoping for a morning swim ahead of a sweltering day have been left disappointed, with vandals emptying the city's ocean baths.

Steve Dick is a regular swimmer at the Newcastle baths and says they were emptied by council staff for cleaning yesterday.

But he says the water disappeared again overnight, leaving bathers high and dry.

"They emptied it yesterday and then we arrive here this morning and it's emptied once again, " he said.

"Some little blighter got in overnight and turned the cock that opens the gate and let all the water out.

"Some hardy souls are in the canoe pool, but they're madly pumping water into the main pool on the hottest day of the year," he said.

Newcastle Council said the unauthorised emptying of the city's ocean baths is a concern and will be investigated.

Council's Acting director of infrastructure, Greg Essex said staff have now re-filled the baths.

"It's the first time it's ever happened," he said.

"It does require specialist equipment to do it.

"So the upshot is there was no water here at 4:00am.

"Our team was straight onto it, they closed it up, got the pumps going, unfortunately it does take up to six hours to fill the pool."

Mr Essex said the incident could have had serious safety and environmental consequences.

"Although it may sound like a bit of fun, it does create a danger to the public.

"Opening the baths, there's a safety issue of people getting sucked through the outlet.

"There's issues with water being discharged into the Cowrie Hole in an uncontrolled manner.

"So apart from the inconvenience to our users, it certainly can present a danger to the public and we will be notifying the police."