North Wollongong: Terrifying moment giant crashing wave washes a child away

A young girl was swept into rough waters by a massive wave while walking on a breakwall with her father, who rescued her by jumping in moments after.

Video footage captured the moment when the toddler, accompanied by her dad, walked onto the breakwall in North Wollongong around midday on Saturday.

The area was being pounded by intense waves caused by a powerful storm that had hit much of the East Coast the previous night.

A massive wave struck, sweeping the little girl off her feet and causing her to disappear into the rough white water below.

Although the little girl was barely visible, her father leaned over the rails and jumped into the water to rescue his daughter.

Four ambulances and a rescue helicopter rushed to the scene, while bystanders grabbed nearby life buoys to assist in bringing the two individuals to safety. 

The dad could be seen desperately holding onto the young girl while fighting to stay afloat in the wild waters.

One witness said the dad was exhausted from the moment he was pulled from the water, adding that there was just 'seconds' of leeway to saving them. 

A spokesperson for NSW Ambulance told Daily Mail Australia the pair were treated for ingestion of minor amounts of water and small abrasions.

They were taken to Wollongong Hospital in a stable condition.