THIS is the moment one weather-watcher diced with disaster in Swanage.

Strong winds whipped up rising seas that battered the coast, sending this huge plume of water over the quayside on Saturday.

The ‘moment of madness’ was captured on camera by a member of Swanage’s RNLI volunteer lifeboat crew.

Becky Mack, of Swanage RNLI, said: “We are urging people to stay safe.

“The waves were breaking over the top of the jetty.

“Our concern is for everyone to keep their distance from the water in these conditions.”

Becky also warned that even ankle deep water can be enough to sweep people off their feet when it surges.

Stormy seas also caused damage to some beach huts on Swanage’s North Beach as heavy weather hit the coast.

On the thrill-seeker who was snapped standing on the quay, a RNLI spokesman told the Daily Echo: “After the tragic deaths of two people swept out to sea in two incidents over the past few days, and with more windy weather forecast, please take extra care if you’re going down to the coast.

“In particular avoid exposed places where big waves can knock you off your feet.”

Meanwhile, Dorset Police issued a statement calling for people to avoid coastal areas while the bad weather continues.

A police spokesman stressed: “Coastal areas are very dangerous at present – do not visit for sightseeing or to observe the waves.

“Tides and winds are very strong, do not paddle in the sea or go out to see unnecessarily.

“River currents are very strong and conditions surrounding the rivers are unstable – do not visit unnecessarily or attempt to go into the water.”