A NSW Police officer has been hailed for his bravery after rescuing three novice surfers, including one who lost consciousness, in dangerous conditions off Byron Bay.
Emergency services were called to Little Wategos Beach about 6.30 pm on Tuesday, 17 March, following reports that three surfers were in trouble in the water.
Officers from Tweed–Byron Police District arrived to find the men clinging to rocks about 100m offshore on the southern side of the beach, with waves breaking over them.
A male constable left his partner and swam out to the group, directing two men, aged 23 and 25, safely back to shore. They were assisted by another officer and assessed by NSW Ambulance paramedics.
He then secured a 31-year-old man, who had lost consciousness, to a Byron Bay SLSC jet ski and held him as they were towed back to shore.
The man was treated at the scene by paramedics and a doctor winched in by the Westpac Rescue Helicopter before being taken to Lismore Base Hospital in a serious but stable condition.
The constable, a former professional lifeguard at Bondi, suffered minor injuries but did not require hospital treatment. All three men are believed to be tourists from France.
Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley praised the officer’s actions.
“The police officer involved in yesterday’s rescue showed real courage, putting his own safety at risk in difficult conditions to bring three men to safety. It could have ended very differently, but because of his actions, three people are alive today.”
“This is what our police do, often without recognition, always putting the safety of others ahead of their own.”
“Our officers are among the best trained in the world, but it’s their character and their instinct to act that makes the real difference in moments like this.”
“I want to acknowledge this officer’s remarkable bravery and thank him for his service. What he did this week is nothing short of heroic and a powerful reminder of the dedication we see right across the NSW Police Force every single day.”
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