Three people were rescued from the surf near Byron Bay.
NSW Police have issued a warning to swimmers to play it safe in the water after a spate of near drownings on the state’s North Coast recently.
In separate incidents in early April, two women and a man got into difficulty while swimming in the surf in the Byron Bay area.
In each case they were rescued with the assistance of Surf Lifesaving NSW, the Westpac Rescue Helicopter, bystanders and local police.
Chief Inspector Matthew Kehoe from Tweed/Byron Police District said it’s a timely reminder for everyone entering the water to be careful and swim within their capabilities.
“Don’t take unnecessary risks in the water,” he said.
“Take note of the swell and be aware of rips and beach conditions. Where possible people need to swim between the flags,” Chief Inspector Kehoe said.
“Remember safety in numbers; if possible swim with a friend or a group,” he said.
