Surfers, swimmers rescued at Byron Bay, Lennox Head

June 29, 2008

Surf Lifesaving rescue teams were kept busy today when they performed several rescues during the day.

Surf lifesavers and lifeguards were training on rescue jet skis, Inflatable Rescue Boats and the Ballina Jet Rescue Boat at Lennox Head and Ballina when teams were called to the northern end of Tallow Beach for surfers in trouble shortly after 12.30 pm.

Both surfers had been swept around Cosy Corner north towards Cape Byron.

Whale-watching spectators saw the surfers in difficulty and notified emergency services.

Two rescue jet skis, an inflatable rescue boat and two 4-wheel drives rescue vehicles responded along with police, ambulance and the Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter.

After a short search, both males were located by the Westpac Helicopter and one surfer was winched aboard the helicopter.

Shortly after, a second surfer was rescued by jet ski.

Both surfers were checked by paramedics and released.

Earlier in the day a lifeguard jet ski at Lennox Head rescued two teenaged male swimmers who were caught in strong currents.

“Conditions were deceptive today,” said Northern NSW Lifeguard Co-ordinator Stephen Leahy.

“While the ocean offshore is calm and flat, there is a reasonable swell and some waves are peaking up to two metres.

“There are many rips right along the coast and some strong currents are catching surfing and swimming by surprise.”

Surf lifesaving emergency response teams consisting of rescue jet skis, the Ballina Jet Rescue Boat and 4WD vehicles remain on standby 24 hours every day.

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