Wednesday 5 April 2023
Alcohol, drugs, and the ocean do not mix any day of the year, but with the annual Blues Fest set to descend on Byron Bay from Thursday to Monday, April 6-10, surf lifesavers are reaffirming the message to those looking to visit the beach as part of the celebrations.
Byron Bay and surrounding areas in the far north are expected to see an influx of visitors as the celebration of blues and roots music brings large crowds to the area, and preparations are well underway by the region’s lifesavers and lifeguards in anticipation of the surge.
As first term school holidays begin too, large crowds are predicted across the weekend and over the following two weeks. The 2022/23 NSW beach patrol season then finishes on Tuesday 25 April (ANZAC Day).
SLS Far North Coast Branch has increased surveillance for the entire duration of the festivities. That means jet skis, support operations vehicles and duty officers are on stand-by to respond to emergencies, even after hours, if required.
“All emergency services are ready,” Far North Coast Duty Officer, Chris Samuels said.
“Conditions don’t look too bad at the minute, with coastal showers, moderate winds and temperatures in the mid to high 20s.
“We have had three coastal drownings on the Far North Coast this season and it would be great to finish off without this number increasing.
“Basically, we just want visitors to be careful and smart.”
Byron Bay’s Main Beach is patrolled by Lifeguards from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. All local surf clubs will be patrolling over the weekends and some with extended hours.
At present, there is also a Hazardous Surf Warning in place for the Byron Coast for today (Wednesday 5 April) that may extend over the coming days.
The message is a simple one.
“Our main message, as it is each and every year, is to avoid remote beaches,” he said.
“We encourage everyone to swim at the patrolled beaches between the red and yellow flags.”
BLUES FEST SAFETY CHECKLIST
· Only swim at a patrolled beach, between the red and yellow flags
· Don’t swim under the influence of alcohol or drugs
· Never swim at night
· Ask a surf lifesaver or lifeguard for advice
· Call triple-zero (000) to report an in-water emergency.