Swimmer has 'magical' moment swimming with seal

A swimmer has described the "magical" moment when a seal swam alongside her in the sea.

Elizabeth Mills, from Corfe Mullen, was swimming along the shore off Poole on 2 May when the animal decided to join her for about 500m.

Claire Luther, from Poole, who caught the moment on camera from the shore and posted it on social media, said she had never seen anything like that before.

Mills said her and the seal "swimming in harmony next to each other" was one of the best experiences she has ever had.

The local swim instructor who was training for a charity event said at first glance she initially thought it might have been a dog.

Surprised when she realised it was a seal, she said she was "a little bit nervous".

"I just thought well if I just keep swimming and not bother it, it will probably go away but that wasn't the case," Mills said.

As a regular swimmer in the area, she said she always tries to keep away from any wildlife.

She added: "I didn't really have much option here we were swimming together."

Mills said at times she would stop to see if the animal had gone underneath her but then noticed it had stopped up ahead of her as if it was waiting for her.

She has since nicknamed it "Mr Seal" though she admitted she was not really sure if it was male of female.

"I felt very humbled to be able to swim with this seal," she said.

According to Dorset Wildlife Trust, there are two species of seal which are regularly seen along the Dorset coast – grey seals and common seals, which are also known as harbour seals.

People are advised to observe them from a distance where possible, do not enter the water where seals are resting and never attempt to feed or touch the animals.

The trust recognises that seals are "intelligent and inquisitive animals" and on occasions may choose to approach people in the water.

It recommends swimmers "stay calm and move slowly and predictably" and if people feel uncomfortable then they should back away gently.