NEW SURF RULES IN BYRON

BYRON Shire Council plans to make surfers wear leg ropes, at all times, while surfing at local beaches.

The new rule was unanimously agreed on at the shire’s April 27 council meeting.

Byron Shire Mayor Michael Lyon said council planned to improve community safety in the water.

“The message is that we’re concerned about safety at our beaches - for everyone - and we’ve decided to do something about it,” Mr Lyon said.

“Under the Local Government Act, councils can require the use of leg ropes for surfboards being ‘water-based recreational equipment’ and this is the lever we’re using to take action.

“Ultimately, we’d like the surfing community to take care of itself, but if this is not happening, we’ll lead the way and hope other councils and NSW Government mandate leg ropes with the aim of greatly reducing nasty accidents in the surf,” he said.

The new rule it will come into effect once new signs are installed, along with an education campaign, at beaches around the Byron Shire.