Two surfers are lucky to have escaped with only minor injuries after an afternoon paddle on the north coast almost turned deadly.
Emergency services were called to Tallows Beach at Byron Bay late on Sunday afternoon, after a man reported his two friends had failed to return to shore.
The pair were eventually plucked from the water by the Westpac Rescue Helicopter and transported to waiting ambulances.
Both were taken to the nearby Byron Bay District Hospital for treatment.
Local police, ambulance, Marine Rescue and Surf Lifesaving were all involved in the rescue.
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