Tallows Beach surf rescue: surfer winched by helicopter

Witnesses have recounted the frightening moment a rescue helicopter winched out a surfer swept out to sea at a popular Byron Bay beach as hazardous surf is forecast for the region. WATCH THE VIDEO:

A Byron surfer has been hospitalised with minor injuries after a dramatic helicopter rescue beneath Byron’s famous lighthouse.

Far North Coast Surf Lifesaving, Westpac Rescue and NSW Ambulance rushed to save a surfer in distress in heavy seas at Tallows Beach on Cape Byron at about 7.30am on Thursday.

The Bureau of Meteorology had already issued a hazardous surf warning for the entire Byron coast on Thursday morning when the incident occurred.

View from the Westpac Rescue helicopter after they winched a surfer to safety off the coast of Byron Bay today. Picture: Westpac Rescue Helicopter

The surfer was located on difficult to access rocks underneath the Byron Bay lighthouse, according to Westpac Rescue.

A paramedic was winched down to the male surfer, aged in his 20s, who was then treated and winched back into the helicopter.

A local resident had been up at the lighthouse when she witnessed the event, saying incidents like this occur every few months.

“We’ve had lives lost there before,” she told the Byron Shire News.

Another local resident who was completing the Byron Bay lighthouse walk also witnessed the perilous rescue, saying police informed her a surfer was in trouble at Tallows.

“There was a jet ski in the water and a helicopter that released a rope to help the emergency service worker rescue the surfer and they pulled the guy up,” she told the Byron Shire News.

She said this was the first time she had seen something like this happen.

“It was scary, I was worried,” she said.

“Right as the emergency services rescued the guy it started raining and then a rainbow appeared.”

The man was assessed by paramedics before being transported to Byron Bay Hospital with cuts and bruises.

The iconic Cape Byron lighthouse.

It comes as the Bureau of Meteorology issued a gale warning and a hazardous surf alert for the Byron Coast.

Waves of up to 4.4m were seen along the Byron coast with a wave period of up to 11.5 seconds.

Surfers were urged to be cautious in unpredictable and rough conditions, and were also advised against entering the water from the rocks where possible.

“NSW Police Force’s Marine Area Command advise that people should consider staying out of the water and avoid walking near surf-exposed areas,” the BoM stated.

“Rock fishers should avoid coastal rock platforms exposed to the ocean and seek a safe location that is sheltered from the surf.”

Boaters planning to cross shallow water and ocean bars were also advised to consider changing or delaying their plans, while those already on the water should have the appropriate safety equipment and lifejackets.

“Boaters should remember to log on with their local Marine Rescue radio base, via VHF Radio or the Marine Rescue APP, and consider their safety management plan,” the BoM concluded.

Tallows is a notoriously unpredictable beach – loved by local residents and surfers, but also known for heavy rips and the unforgiving rocks at the cape.