
This is the incredible moment a pod of killer whales swims just feet away from the shore - to rub themselves on the pebbly beach.

The group of up to eight orcas calmly glide and dive barely metres away from a group of enthralled onlookers on dry land.

The amazing show happened in the Powell River, British Columbia in Canada

Instead of appearing to be beached in the shallow waters, the group of older orcas and calves manoeuvre happily, splashing around completely carefree.

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The giant killer whales made their way up the Powell River in British Columbia in Canada where they entered the shallow water

Up to eight whales performed just yards off shore and seemed to use the river bed to scratch their skin against the pebbles

One witness joked that he was no in a position where he could delete all the baby pictures of his child as he will see his son every day

The fantastic footage was captured by an employee of Gary Slootweg, a heating business owner nearby.

Slootweg, 54, said: 'The orcas were acting like they weren't in any trouble.

'They looked like they were massaging themselves on the pebbly beach.

'I've been told that this is a tradition passed on by the older members of the pod.

'You can even see some of the bigger orcas swimming alongside the calves as if they're showing them what to do.'

Experts said that the seemingly unusual behaviour exhibited by the orcas was entirely natural and did not harm the whales

Witnesses said it looked like the older orcas where teaching the younger members of the pod exactly what they should be doing

The animals seemed completely oblivious to the nearby humans who were filming and photographing the unbelievable display

Dr Ingrid Visser from the Orca Research Trust in New Zealand said it was important for people not to get too close to the mammals

Slootweg is keeping the exact location of the pods under wraps as directions from the organisation Fisheries and Oceans Canada wants to protect the orcas.

In the enthralling six-minute-long footage, amazed onlookers can be heard passing footage on the beautiful scene in front of them.

One man can be heard joking: 'I can start deleting my baby pictures now.

'I'll see my son for at least the next 20 years.'

Dr Ingrid Visser, from Orca Research Trust New Zealand, said: 'This is completely normal behaviour.

'It's an amazing to see such incredible animals displaying such a natural instinct.

'People worry the orcas could strand but it's clear to see some of them here sat on the seabed massaging themselves.

'There are a few places where we see orcas come so shallow, but British Columbia is certainly the most prolific.