Man drowns at northern NSW beach Tallow Beach near Byron Bay
AN OFF-DUTY Brazilian firefighter risked his life to try and save a man who got into trouble in surf on a northern NSW beach today. Here’s what happened.
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AN OFF-DUTY Brazilian firefighter risked his life to try and save a man who got into trouble in surf on a northern NSW beach today.
The overseas firie dragged the 21-year-old Brisbane man, who was found face down in the water, to the shore at Tallow Beach, a few kilometres from the heart of Byron Bay.
He commenced CPR on the man before NSW Ambulance paramedics arrived.
They spent 30 minutes working on the man but he tragically he died at the scene.
The incident occurred at 12.30pm (NSW time), just south of the Suffolk Beachfront Holiday Park.
Tweed-Byron Local Area Command Sergeant Jason Dowds said there were plenty of bystanders at the beach at the time of the incident.
It is understood the man’s girlfriend was on the beach when he began to struggle, and she raised the alarm.
“It was quite rough out there and he did start to struggle and he was underwater for some time before he was dragged out,” Sgt Dowds said.
Officers have now commenced investigations and a report is being prepared for the coroner.
Far North Coast Surf Life Saving emergency services co-ordinator Jimmy Keogh told the Gold Coast Bulletin the drowning occurred on a unpatrolled beach, but come Saturday it would have lifeguards patrolling, as part of the summer season.
He said this tragedy may not have occurred if lifesavers had been on the beach.
“It would have been close enough (to see him),” Mr Keogh said.
“It is a tragic start (to the summer).
“It happened on the change of tide from low to high.
“There would be a large amount of water movement (at the time).”
Mr Keogh said the drowning was a timely reminder for swimmers to make safety the priority when in, on or around the water this summer.
“Only swim on patrolled beaches,” he said.
Earlier today, at the same unforgiving stretch of beach, a woman in her 70s also transported to Byron Central Hospital after struggling out of the water near Clifford St, Suffolk Park.
It is understood the woman swallowed water while making her own way to shore.
It comes after a man was flown to Lismore Base Hospital for medical treatment after a near-drowning incident at Tallow Creek on Sunday at 5.20pm.
It is understood the man, whose age is unknown, was pulled from Tallow Creek, where it connects to Tallow Beach, by bystanders.
Mr Keogh said he believed this incident may have been a result of “intoxication”.
He said he was taken to hospital via the chopper “due to the location” of the incident.