An 81-year-old tourist, who was visiting Byron Bay with family, disappeared in the water at Broken Head yesterday.
Family members raised the alarm around 5.30pm after he failed to return from a swim and beachgoers reported finding his body in the water soon after.
He was unable to be revived.
Further south, a male surfer in his 50s believed to be from Lismore was pulled unconscious from the surf at Turners Beach, Yamba at around 4pm yesterday afternoon.
He had sustained injuries to his head and face, possibly by a surfboard, when he was found north of the patrol area.
The single Australian Lifeguard Service lifeguard on duty conducted CPR on the man until paramedics arrived but was unable to revive him.
The man was transported by ambulance to hospital where he was pronounced dead.
Northern Lifeguard Coordinator Scott McCartney said the lifeguard responded quickly to administer vital first aid to the patient until paramedics arrived.
‘Our thoughts are with the patient’s family,’ Mr McCartney said.
Police will prepare a report for the coroner.
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