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Byron Shire
August 29, 2026

Nude bathers happy lifesavers on patrol 

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The first day of surf lifesaver patrols at Tyagarah Beach. Photo supplied.

The red and yellow flags have gone up at Tyagarah’s clothing-optional (CO) beach ensuring all swimmers, both naked and clothed, can swim safely this summer. The flags went up for the first time on Saturday January 12 and the patrols are scheduled to continue until the end of the school holidays.

We welcome the life guards at Tyagarah, which often has strong currents and big waves. All beach users can now feel safe in the water,’ said Debra Conomy from the Byron Naturist group.

‘The life savers started work on a busy day at the beach. Around the middle of the day there were over 70 people enjoying the sunshine and water. Fifty were in couples or small groups and there were 20 single males and a couple of single females. Beach goers were aged from their 20s to their 70s,’ she said. 

The life savers were unperturbed by the nudity and lots of people swam and had fun between the flags. We didn’t see any flailing nude people rescued but several were grateful to receive treatment for bluebottle stings.’

The lifesavers have been given a dual role at Tyagarah. In addition to water safety they are keeping an eye out for undesirable behaviour until Council can put CCTV cameras in place.

This is a perfect time for locals and visitors to try the clothing-optional beach and discover the joy and freedom of being nude in nature,’ said Ms Conomy.



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