This footage shows how a drone operator was able to spot deadly sharks lurking beneath the sea’s surface and alert swimmers.

It was filmed by Northampton man David Alphonso, 36, off Meelup Beach in Dunsborough, Western Australia, on 6th January.

David – a sparky by profession – told Newsflash in an interview: “I first started flying drones and using a GoPro about seven years ago.

“I’ve always been interested in photography. I grew up watching David Attenborough and Steve Irwin, so I’ve always loved wildlife and sea life.

“I was always into swimming and loved the ocean from a young age.”

He said of the terrifying creatures he filmed lurking under the crystalline waters: “The species of shark is a bronze whaler, I spotted two that day and a great white.”

The bronze whaler (Carcharhinus brachyurus) – also called the copper shark or narrowtooth shark – is a fast-swimming predator that can reach up to 11 feet in length.

Found at temperate latitudes, it is classified by the International Union for Conservation of Nature as a vulnerable species.

David continued: “I’ve seen sharks and other wildlife but never that close to people.”

After noticing the sharks, David told his wife, who, in turn, told the lifeguard. The beach was then closed off for about four hours.

David told Newsflash: “The lifeguard was very grateful for the help, as the helicopter only flies over once every few hours, so the drone was a big help seeing what was about the vicinity.”

But the electrician, whose photos and videos can be viewed at www.instagram.com/fonzyfotos/, added: “I’m a huge wildlife and conservation fan.

“Sharks should not be demonised. The chance of an attack is super rare. More needs to be done to protect them and the ocean.

“Without sharks in the ocean, the ecosystem would collapse. They are essential.”