Police: No resolution after two men reported in trouble while swimming at Byron Bay beaches

Widespread searches for two swimmers who disappeared after being seen struggling at Byron beaches have only led to more questions. Here’s what we know.

A Marine Rescue NSW member searching for the man reported to be in trouble in the water on September 17, 2023. Picture: Marine Rescue NSW

There has been no resolution more than 10 days after a search was launched to find a man reported in distress in the surf at a Byron Bay beach.

Emergency services remain at a loss and it’s still not known if the man believed to be aged in his 50s seen in trouble at Tallow Beach about 3pm on September 16 made it out safely.

The disappearance of the swimmer, who reportedly failed to resurface when he went underwater, has not been linked to any outstanding missing persons case by NSW Police.

A widespread search was conducted for the missing swimmer off the coast of Byron Bay.

Tweed/Byron Police District, Surf Life Saving NSW, Marine Rescue NSW and a Queensland rescue helicopter arrived on the day and began a large-scale search for the man, who was said to be wearing light-coloured board shorts at the time of the incident.

The search was called off about 12.30pm on September 17.

Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Rodney Page said a parallel search was carried out off the coast of the tourism haven.

As inquiries continue, police have urged anyone with more information to phone Byron Bay police, or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Meanwhile, a similar situation was reported at Byron’s Main Beach on March 1.

A man was seen struggling in the surf before he disappeared.

Again, no body has been found or linked and it’s unclear if the swimmer made it back to shore safely at any stage.

Another swimmer ran into trouble at Main Beach, Byron Bay in March.

There were 281 people who drowned in Australia between July 1 last year and June 30 this year, according to a Royal Lifesaving Australia’s 2023 National Drowning Report.

A staggering 77 per cent of those deaths were men, usually because they were trying to rescue family members, and adults over 45 marked 57 per cent of deaths.

Drownings were down 17 per cent on the previous year, when 339 deaths were recorded.

There was a 33 per cent decrease in the deaths of children aged under four compared to the 10-year average.