Gold Coast Surf Life Saving Clubs

Surf Life Saving in Australia came about through the efforts of people who defied the law! To explain, up to the start of this century, people had the idea that the human form in a bathing costume was indecent. Hence the law stipulated that bathing was prohibited during the daylight. Also, the sexes were segregated.

The origins of Surf Life Saving can be traced back to the actions of Mr William Gocher, at Manly Beach in September 1902. Similar actions by other people who defied the laws by bathing during the prohibited time (daylight hours) forced the laws to be changed - thus the now very popular recreational and sporting pastime, surfing, began to grow into what it is today - part of the Australian way of life.

As surf bathing grew rapidly in popularity, its dangers just as rapidly became apparent. Therefore small groups of experienced and regular surfers who were concerned with the rising incident of drownings in the surf, began to form themselves into lifesaving bodies to assist those who required to be rescued from an unfamiliar environment.

Surf Life Saving in Queensland began on Coolangatta Beach on 21st February, 1909. From these very humble beginnings of a fragmented voluntary surf rescue service, Surf Life Saving Australia has now achieved world recognition for the outstanding courage and service of its members.

From our earliest days, the Association's motto has not changed - "Vigilance and Service". Our Association's objectives and aims are rather extensive, but deal primarily with Surf Safety and the public need, i.e. to watch over and care for the people who use the ocean beaches. To this end the records speak for themselves - a total of almost 500,000 lives have been saved.

Northcliffe Surf Life Saving Club

Northcliffe SLSC was founded in February 1947. The club is situated between the localities of Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach on the Gold Coast and is heavily populated by tourists in the summer months. The name 'Northcliffe' came from an english property developer who built a housing estate in the area.

The junior activities section is a vital component of the Club. Each summer some 300 junior members aged between 5 and 14 gather on Sunday mornings to learn and develop their surf skills. The patrolling function is left to the members aged 15 and over after they have completed their Bronze Medallion.

Northcliffe Surf Club are the current Queensland and Australian Champion club, and have been for the past two years in a row. The club boast numerous high profile athletes including current Australian Ironwoman Champion, Kristyl Smith, as well as Kristy Cameron, Hayley Bateup, Shannon & Caine Eckstein and Jeremy Cotter, just to name a few.

Older members are encouraged to enter into the masters ranks (30 yrs+) which motivates them to continue their Surf Club involvement and physical fitness. Northcliffe in recent years has been at the forefront of Masters Carnival pointscores with many senior members remaining active.

The Clubs main fundraising arm is the Supporters Club which manages a licensed facility on the first floor of the Club House. Recent renovations have given members a modern, comfortable facility, with a licensed bar, 51 gaming machines, a bistro open from 7.30am 9pm daily, and Club TAB and Keno facilities.

Northcliffe welcomes new members year round whether it be as a social member or an active Life Saver. Please contact the surf club for any queries.

Kurrawa Surf Life Saving Club

Kurrawa Surf Life Saving Club, originally named "Police Youth Lennons Broadbeach Surf Life Saving Club" in the Fifties, was later renamed Kurrawa Surf Life Saving Club in 1961. 'Kurrawa' is an aboriginal word meaning "Blue Sea".

In 1997, Surf Life Saving Australia chose Kurrawa Beach as the home for the Australian Championships for ten years, which has certainly put Kurrawa Surf Life Saving Club on the 'map'.

The Senior ranks are very strong in patrols and competition, with an energetic group of Masters competitors and an equally energetic Junior (Nipper) section. The Kurrawa Old Boys is growing each year and they help the club both socially and financially.

Kurrawa SLS Supporters Club - "Club Kurrawa", is proving very popular with locals and tourists and is certainly the place to be for a comfortable meal with a view.

With the current level of growth being experienced by Kurrawa Surf Life Saving Club, the future looks promising.

Main Beach (Southport) Surf Life Saving Club

Southport was formed in 1924 and is situated overlooking popular Main Beach on the northern end of the Gold Coast. The current President is Mr. Dave Mainwaring. A recent refurbishment has produced one of the finest Supporters Club facilities offering first class meals, poker machines, TAB, plus million dollar views. The Manager is Dale Chapman.

A separate Nipper club, 200 metres north of the Life Saving Club caters for several hundred nippers who train each Sunday during the season. They start at 8am. The Chairman is Mr. Chris Ryan.

Southport has a proud history in competition, winning 1 World Championship plus runner up twice. Six times Australian Champion club and also 19 times Queensland Champion club. At the present time, Southport is conducting a very successful rebuild program.

Southport offers members state of the art facilities, a very friendly atmosphere and a determination to succeed.

Broadbeach Surf Life Saving Club

The Broadbeach Surf Life Saving Club is located on the beach in the heart of Broadbeach. Situated between Northcliffe SLSC and Kurrawa SLSC, Broadbeach SLSC patrols an increasingly popular stretch of the Gold Coast.

No deaths have occurred at Broadbeach in the time the club has been patrolling. The club currently has around 300 members ranging in age from 7 years to adults. Broadbeach has a strong family involvement with most of the members based in Brisbane, travelling each week to the coast.

Unlike many other clubs in Queensland and Australia, Broadbeach has substantial accommodation areas, capable of housing up to 55 guests. This gives the surf club the opportunity to offer inexpensive accommodation to many visiting sporting groups as well as their own members during the season.

Whilst a relatively small club, during the coming seasons Broadbeach SLSC will undergo major renovations to enable them to maintain the high standard of lifesaving in which they pride themselves.