AUSTRALIAN actor Hugh Jackman was hoping for a leisurely swim at Sydney’s most famous beach but soon found himself in the middle of the action.

Nine News television crews captured footage of Jackman and several other swimmers struggling in a rip at Bondi Beach on Saturday afternoon.

Jackman, in a black rashie, is seen helping pull a man to safety before gesturing for other swimmers to move clear of the dangerous currents.

Hugh Jackman has been filmed rescuing his son and other swimmers from a rip at Sydney's Bondi Beach:https://t.co/2kVFvbQfHm #9News — Nine News Australia (@9NewsAUS) March 26, 2016

His son, Oscar, was out of reach and had to be helped from the surf by lifeguards.

The 47-year-old movie star grew up in Sydney and went to school on Sydney’s north shore. He’s back in town to promote his new film Eddie the Eagle.

He chose to go swimming on a day when several beaches, including nearby Bronte, were closed due to dangerous conditions.