Man in 20s dies at Tallow Beach, Byron Bay in northern NSW, bringing Summer season drowning toll to 11
A man has died after being pulled from the water at a Byron Bay beach, marking the state’s 11th drowning in a “horrid” Summer swimming season. Here’s the latest.
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A man has died after being pulled unconscious from the water at popular surfing and swimming spot Tallow Beach at Byron Bay in northern NSW.
The swimmer believed to be aged in his 20s was scooped from Cosy Corner at the northern end of the beach in the tourism hot spot about 7.20am on Thursday.
Surf Life Saving NSW duty officer Jimmy Keogh said the public performed CPR on the man until emergency services crews arrived.
Sadly, the man could not be revived, despite the best efforts of bystanders.
The beach was not patrolled at the time – and has been the location of drownings and close calls in recent years.
The man’s death brings the state’s Summer drowning toll to 11, according to Surf Life Saving NSW (SLSNSW).
It comes less than a day after a woman in her 30s was pulled from the water at Shelly Beach near Manly, just before 1pm on Wednesday.
She was also declared dead at the scene.
Mr Keogh said it was believed the man who drowned at Byron “was seen to be in distress prior to the public coming to his aid”.
“It’s believed he was swimming on his own,” he said.
“Tallow Beach was not being patrolled at the time – it’s patrolled between 9am and 5pm everyday.”
Mr Keogh urged beachgoers to stay safe and to look out for their mates.
“Never swim alone, unless there are lifeguards on duty and know your swimming capabilities,” he said.
“The conditions were moderate, near low tide so there would have been deep holes and gutters in the sand.
“We are seeing a tragic time up and down the NSW coast these past 24 hours.”
Mr Keogh could not say whether the man lived locally, or was visiting.
NSW Police states “emergency services were called to Tallow Beach following reports a man was unresponsive in the water”.
“Members of the public commenced CPR before the arrival of NSW Ambulance paramedics; however, he was unable to be revived,” a statement read.
The man had not been formally identified by early Thursday afternoon.
SLSNSW described the Summer drowning statistic as “horrid”.
“The two incidents bring the NSW summer coastal drowning figure to 11 – the same as this time last year,” a statement read.
“However, the coastal drowning number since July 1, 2023 is significantly higher than the same time last year – 33 compared to 19.”
The service said females were “significantly under-represented in coastal drowning figures” and the most recent NSW Coastal Safety Report showed 83 per cent of drownings statewide involved males.
Surf Life Saving NSW chief executive officer Steve Pearce said the drownings should serve as a warning to all.
“This has been a devastating 24 hours for NSW” he said.
“Every coastal drowning is a tragedy, but to have two in such a short space of time is a tough reflection on how risky it can be to enter the water.
“Once again, both of these drownings have occurred at unpatrolled locations and we really must reiterate that if you plan to visit the coastline, the safest thing you can do is head to a beach where you see the red and yellow flags flying.”
Tweed/Byron Police District has launched an investigation into the Tallow Beach incident.
A report will be prepared for the Coroner.
BEACH SAFETY REMINDERS
– Always swim between the red and yellow patrol flags. Check the BeachSafe app or website or your nearest patrolled beach.
– Read safety signs and ask lifesavers or lifeguards for more information.
– Always swim with someone else so you can look out for each other.
– Always supervise children around the water.
– Never swim under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
– If you need help in the water, stay calm and draw attention by raising one arm.
– Phone triple-0 for help in an emergency.
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