A former Bondi Rescue lifeguard turned cop has been hailed a hero, after rescuing three tourist surfers who nearly drowned in Byron Bay.
Tommy Frazer has been identified as the person who saved the surfers from france at around 6.30pm on Tuesday.
Frazer jumped into the water and helped two of the stranded surfers swim back to shore, where they were treated by paramedics.
He then returned to the water and secured the third person – who had lost consciousness – to a jetski and held him as they were towed back to shore.
The third surfer was taken to Lismore Base Hospital in a serious but stable condition. Fortunately, Frazer only suffered minor injuries that did not require hospital treatment.
“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,” NSW Police said in a statement.
Frazer appeared on the 2021 season of Bondi Rescue, and was a trainee lifesaver at the time. He had rescued three people struggling against a rip in one of the episodes of the show.
Following his heroic rescue the Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism, Yasmin Catley, praised Frazer’s actions.
“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,” she said.
“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.
“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,” she continued.
“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.”
Image: Instagram
