Leg ropes compulsory when surfing in the Byron Shire

Published on 28 April 2023

Byron Shire Council is enforcing a new rule that makes leg ropes compulsory when using a surfboard at Byron Shire surf beaches and it will come into effect once new signage has been installed.

The new rule was put forward as a Notice of Motion at the 27 April Council Meeting by Cr Cate Coorey and was voted in unanimously.

“The aim of requiring people to wear leg ropes when they’re surfing is to improve community safety in the water,” Byron Shire Mayor Michael Lyon said.

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

Once National Parks and Crown Lands approve the placement of signage, it will be installed at a number of beaches around the Shire and will be launched along with an education campaign aimed at locals and visitors.