A man was seen swimming in Cairns inlet with his dog where crocodiles roam freely. Source: CROC Queensland

An “incredibly reckless” act in a popular waterway has prompted a stern warning to locals and visitors to northern Australia, after a man was seen swimming with his dog in waters where crocodiles freely roam.

A Queensland local spotted the swimmer and his pet off the esplanade in Cairns inlet over the weekend. The inlet, which serves as the port for the city, is a known habitat for saltwater crocodiles.

The stunt has been condemned by locals and advocacy group CROC Queensland, who say swimming in croc country not only puts lives at risk, but it also “increases danger for the wider community”.

Photos showing the swimmer and his dog in the water were sent to the group by a concerned local who said it was “hard to watch” the canine be put at risk.

But it’s something representatives from CROC Queensland say they are “unfortunately seeing a lot of”.

“This kind of behaviour is incredibly reckless,” a spokesperson said in a video warning shared online on Saturday.

“It puts pets at serious risk, endangers a threatened species, and increases danger for the wider community as crocodiles can become habituated to busy areas.”

The spokesperson said that dogs in the water “do attract crocodiles”. Thankfully, in this instance, the animal “made it out safe”.

“We just want to remind everyone to be really cautious when you are exercising your dog, even when you know you’ve done it before in the same area a million times,” the spokesperson said

Cairns inlet is a known habitat for saltwater crocodiles. Source: Getty

“Crocodiles are still listed as vulnerable in Queensland, and preventable situations like this can then lead to them being removed.

“Please don’t put your pet or our wildlife at risk and keep your pets away from the water’s edge. Being crocwise is also about managing your own risk”.

How do crocodiles target their prey?

Last year, a family was devastated to learn their pet dog was taken by a crocodile in a Queensland river.

Shocking drone footage captured the moment the huge four-metre crocodile swam down the Fitzroy River in Rockhampton with a pet dog in its mouth.

The incident prompted Queensland’s Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation to issue a warning to be crocwise.

“Crocodiles are apex predators that use ambush tactics, such as lying and waiting at the water’s edge, to capture their prey,” they said.

“We urge everyone in Croc Country to keep themselves, their family members and pet dogs well back from the water’s edge. No water body in Croc Country can be considered to be free from crocodiles.”

Last week, a man was bitten by a “large crocodile” at a remote Kimberley camping spot. He was taken to Broome Hospital in a stable condition.

Crocodiles use ambush tactics to capture their prey. Source: Rodney Fischer