Swimmers approached a southern right whale that came close to shore at Kingston Beach near Hobart on Wednesday, November 22.

According to the ABC, the whale’s appearance attracted a large crowd of onlookers, with some concerned for its welfare.

The Mercury reported that a warning was issued by the Marine Conservation Program after the whale was first sighted at about 7:30 am, urging people not to get to close to the animal. Credit: The Beach Escape at Primrose Sands via Storyful