History
Introduction
Undoubtedly, Surf Life Saving is written into Australia's history. From its fledgling beginnings as various Sydney Surf Life Saving Clubs and brigades in the 1870's, Surf Life Saving Australia now has more than 140,000 members in more than 300 Clubs stretching from Darwin in the Northern Territory, to Clifton Beach in Tasmania.
Surf Life Savers protect thousands of kilometres of Australia's
coastline.
Australians have spread the Surf Life Saving gospel world wide.
They have been responsible for helping found Associations in South
Africa, Great Britain, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Taiwan,
Japan and Peru.
The spirit of Surf Life Saving is as strong today as it was in the
beginning. It survived bad times; flourishing even in times of
adversity. During the second World War Australians studied for Surf
Life Saving awards in the notorious Changi prison camp, and surf
carnivals were held in the Middle East.
Many people perceive Surf Life Saving to be the epitome of
Australia's spirit. Former Prime Minister, the late Sir Robert
Menzies, said that when asked to speak of something uniquely
Australian he would mention the Royal Flying Doctor Service or Surf
Life Saving Australia.
Today the Movement is at the forefront of world research into
aquatic rescue, marine stingers, resuscitation and first aid
techniques.
More than 400,000 recorded rescues carried out by surf lifesavers
since 1907 stand as testimony to the dedication and professionalism
of the men and women who volunteer their time to making Australian
beaches safe.
Formation of Surf Life Saving
The origins of Surf Life Saving Australia can be traced back to the actions of Mr William Gocher at Manly Beach in September, 1902, defying the law of the time by bathing during prohibited hours (daylight). His and similar actions by other people forced the recognition of daylight bathing and the pastime of surfing began to grow into a national heritage.
As surf bathing grew rapidly in popularity, its dangers just as
quickly became apparent. Small groups of experienced surfers began
to form themselves into lifesaving bodies to assist those
unfamiliar with the surfing environment.
As these Clubs grew in size and numbers, the need for a unified
front to raise funds and seek assistance from Local and State
Governments resulted in the formation of the New South Wales Surf
Bathing Association on 18th October, 1907. The name was later
changed to Surf Life Saving Australia.
The first recorded rescue of a man using a surf reel at Bondi was
that carried out on Charlie Smith, who was later to wing his way
around the world as Charles Kingsford Smith.
The first lifesaving methods implemented were believed to have
been the still water techniques of a Dr Hall, of the Royal Life
Saving Society. The first surf belt was a form of ship's life
jacket packed with cork and linked to a heavy rope. Two surf
lifesavers, Lyster Ormsby and John Bond, developed the first method
of rescue and drill.
A tragedy which sent a chill along every beach in Australia
occurred at Bondi on the 6th February, 1938 and showed the real
worth of Surf Life Saving. A series of huge waves pounded 40 people
unconscious, drowning 5. The surf lifesavers eventually rescued 300
on a day that is now known as 'Black Sunday'.
Surf Life Saving Australia has evolved into an organisation known
throughout the world for its voluntary humanitarian service. It is
a tradition today maintained by members who are justly proud of,
and recognise the importance of Surf Life Saving Australia's motto
'Vigilance and Service'.
Club Life
From the original meeting of 9 Clubs, the Movement now embraces
in excess of 300 Surf Life Saving Clubs.
These Clubs come in all sizes from wooden sheds to elaborate
clubrooms with indoor pools and gymnasiums, but all members share a
special comradeship.
Regular social functions encourage the bond of friendship between
Club members and have become a way of Club life.
Surf lifesavers come from no particular region, social, religious,
political or ethnic background. They are men and women from all
backgrounds that come together to be part of a team committed to
the protection of others.
Women in Surf Life Saving
Although women have been involved since the early 1900's, it was not until 1980 that they were able to become qualified surf lifesavers.
This meant they were able to obtain their Bronze Medallion and
then actively patrol the beach.
The number of females present in Clubs has grown significantly
since that time and in South Australia women now make up over one
third of all Club membership.
Any visit to the beach these days will confirm women's increasing
involvement in the Movement.
Many female surf lifesavers also fill essential positions within
South Australian Clubs. In fact South Australia had the first
female President of a Surf Life Saving Club in Australia.