The deckhand of the Aristocat 2 catamaran, Shayne Thomson, spotted this emu 10 metres from the water's edge at Western Australia's Monkey Mia Beach. (Video first published in 2018.)

Tourists at Western Australia's Monkey Mia Beach have been joined by an unexpected guest in the sea after an emu decided it needed a quick dip.

The deckhand of the Aristocat 2 catamaran, Shayne Thomson, spotted this emu 10 metres from the water's edge.

The bird seemed unperturbed by the presence of the humans nearby.

SCREENGRAB Tourists look on as an emu cools off.

Emus have been known to swim to cool off on hot summer days.

READ MORE:

* 'Holy shoot!': Orca encounter in Hauraki Gulf 'the coolest thing ever'

* 'Emotional support peacock' grounded