Surf Lifesaving Explained

Surf lifesaving is a volunteer movement from early twentieth century Australia.

Bondi Surf Bathers Life Saving Club formed on 21 February 1907. Historians confirmed this date in 2005.

Lifesavers on patrol wear red and yellow cloth caps. They also wear long-sleeve yellow shirts and red shorts.

Clubs hold surf carnivals with swimming, sand running and surf boat races. Piha Surf Life Saving Club founded in 1934.

The youth division is called Nippers. They hold events similar to the adult competitions.

Australia has 314 surf lifesaving clubs collectively patrolling over 600 beaches. The 2024/25 season reported 207,962 members nationwide.

Surf lifesaving services carried out preventative actions.

New South Wales patrols run from September school holidays until ANZAC Day. Lifesavers provide year-round support.