Surf Life Saving
How Surf Life Saving began in Australia
Australia’s first volunteer Surf Life Saving clubs emerged in 1907 on Sydney’s ocean beaches. Surf-bathing had been rapidly increasing in popularity in the early 20th Century and in turn by-laws which had previously prevented bathing in daylight hours since the 1830s were gradually removed between 1902 and 1905, to reflect changing public attitudes.
These changes had a dramatic impact on local beach culture as the number of beachgoers entering the surf suddenly increased. As many bathers couldn’t swim the number of drownings and attempted rescues also suddenly increased.
On October 18, 1907, representatives from Sydney Surf Life Saving Clubs, together with members of other interested groups, met to form the Surf Bathing Association of New South Wales, the organisation which is now known as Surf Life Saving Australia.
Become a Lifesaver at Rainbow Bay SLSC
We are on the lookout for new members that have the ability to undertake a Bronze, SRC, Observers or First Aid Course or currently hold a Bronze, SRC, Observers or First Aid Award and would like to join our Patrol Teams. Absolutely anyone can join! You don’t even have to get your toes wet if you don’t want to. As long as you have a positive attitude, you’ve got what it takes.
Patrol Season Dates: Start Mid-September each year to Early May the following year. Clink on “REGISTER TO BECOME A LIFESAVER” to register or email: admin@rainbowbayslsc.com.au or phone: 07 55366390
SLSA Mission
Surf Life Saving exists to save lives, create great Australians and build better communities.
Despite significant advancements in technology, techniques and knowledge, people still drown on the coast in unacceptable numbers. Surf Life Saving exists to save lives, and we are committed to reducing the coastal drowning rate by 50 per cent by 2020.
Lifesaving Services
Every season, our lifesaving services from voluntary club patrols, Operations Support and the Australian Lifeguard Service Queensland performs vital lifesaving services. These services are performed by the many men and women who make up our volunteer patrolling and Lifeguard ranks.
Rescues
Surf lifesavers and lifeguards are equipped with a number of rescue devices, including rescue tubes, boards, inflatable rescue boats (IRBs), rescue water craft (RWC), and the Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter Service.
Every day our lifesavers rescue 35 people and they conduct 143 preventative actions every hour.
