On 13 November 1902, two policemen attended Bondi and started taking names of those dressed in ‘small trunks’.

[2] The Rector of St Mary's, Waverley, and a Mr Frank McElhone,[3] were apprehended by the police for bathing outside the permitted hours.

The Inspector General of Police said “So long as bathers wear suitable costumes, and public decency is not outraged, I am unable to see that a practice permitted for so many years should be stopped.

Bronte's claim is based on an affidavit made in 1931 that they were first, and some meeting minutes in 1907 which stated that it was the 4th AGM – but there are no documents to verify either of these.

SLSA historians reviewed all claims in 2005 and stated they recognise Bondi as the first surf life saving club.

Based on the research, Bondi resolved in 2006 to change all foundation dates to recognise the accurate information.

The first duty roster was drawn up in August 1908, and a test swim as a prerequisite for club membership was introduced that September.

On 6 February 1938, three giant waves washed out to sea hundreds of swimmers in a day remembered as Black Sunday.

In November 2023 it was announced that the club was one of 14 people or places commemorated in the second round of blue plaques sponsored by the Government of New South Wales alongside Kathleen Butler, godmother of Sydney Harbour Bridge; Emma Jane Callaghan, an Aboriginal midwife and activist; Susan Katherina Schardt; journalist Dorothy Drain; writer Charmian Clift; Beryl Mary McLaughlin, one of the first three women to graduate in architecture from the University of Sydney; Grace Emily Munro, Sir William Dobell, Syms Covington, Ioannis (Jack) and Antonios (Tony) Notaras; Ken Thomas of Thomas Nationwide Transport and the first release of myxomatosis.