A NSW police officer has rescued three surfers – including one who was unconscious – after they got into trouble while surfing at Byron Bay last night.
Emergency services were called to Little Wategos Beach about 6.30pm yesterday (Tuesday 17 March 2026), following reports three novice surfers were in trouble in the water.
On arrival, officers attached to Tweed-Byron Police District located the three men clinging to rocks about 100m from the beach on the southern side, with waves breaking over the group.
A male constable left his appointments with a fellow officer before swimming out to the surfers where he directed two men – aged 23 and 25 – back to shore, where they were assisted by another police officer and assessed by NSW Ambulance paramedics.
The officer then secured the third man – who had lost consciousness – to a Byron Bay SLSC jet ski, and held him as they were towed to shore.
The 31-year-old man was treated by paramedics and a doctor – who had been winched to the beach by the Westpac Rescue Helicopter – before he was taken to Lismore Base Hospital in a serious but stable condition.
The constable – who previously worked as a professional lifeguard at Bondi – received minor injuries during the rescue but did not require hospital treatment.
It’s understood all three men are in Australia on holiday from France.
Above and beyond
Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism, Yasmin Catley, said the rescue is another powerful example of police going above and beyond to protect the community.
‘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,’ she said.
‘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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