Ten people have been taken to hospital after they were injured by a freak wave at a rock pool at Crescent Head on the NSW mid-north coast.
A group of 14 was swimming in the remote Mermaid rock pool, near the Big Nobby peninsula, about 12.30pm on Wednesday when the wave washed them into the ocean.
One person suffered a dislocated shoulder while others received cuts and abrasions, Westpac Rescue Helicopter spokesman Jamie Yeo said.
"The majority were able to get themselves safely back to the shore and the others were assisted by emergency services personnel," he said.
Paramedics transported eight people to Kempsey District Hospital, with two others taken to Port Macquarie Hospital.
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The four remaining swimmers did not require hospitalisation.
Local volunteer lifesavers and paid lifeguards attended but because of the large number of people involved and their proximity to the rocks, they decided against attempting a boat rescue.
Paramedics treated injured swimmers once they were ashore before walking them to waiting ambulances.
