Alicia Nash, of Blacksmiths, said the creature - thought to be a New Zealand fur seal - seemed "pretty placid".

"But a friend went a bit too close and he got growled at," she said.

The seal appears to have a few scars, which isn't a great surprise given it has a few predators. Humans may be scared of sharks, but seals surely have a lot more reason to feel that fear.

The Blacksmiths seal was also hanging around the breakwater on Sunday, prompting an official to cordon off an area while the seal slept on rocks.

"They roped off an area and put a sign up saying he's just resting and leave him be," Alicia said.

The seal spent some time swimming playfully and appeared to be headed for Swansea Heads, but "he was back on the rocks again this morning [Monday]".

A National Parks and Wildlife Service spokesperson reminded people to give seals a wide berth.

"The vast majority of these animals are simply resting. People must keep at least 40 metres away from adults and 80 metres if there is a pup present," the spokesperson said.

"They might look fairly docile when 'hauled-out' but they can move fast when roused and they have sharp teeth.

"These are wild animals, so they can be dangerous if people get too close."

The spokesperson said seals leaving the water along the NSW coastline was normal behaviour.

Seals hauled out on land, like at Blacksmiths, can "draw the crowds".

"People are reminded to give seals plenty of space."

If you see a seal in distress or injured report them to the NPWS on 13000 PARKS or ORRCA 9415 3333.