Freshwater Surf Life Saving Club

A visit to the club from United States' surfer, Duke Kahanamoku, in 1914 helped initiate the sport of surfing in Australia.

In the early 20th century, the Australian government began discussing the issue of water and beach safety for citizens.

Bondi was the first beach to begin training people to save a drowning person and escort the victim to shore safely.

The Freshwater Surf Life Saving Club then established a crew of lifeguards—its members made up of local people who camped along the beach.

[1] The Freshwater SLSC was one of the first to be recognized by the Surf Bathing Association—a committee in charge of verifying beach accommodations for dressing, life-saving and safety equipment.

[3]  The focus was on beach safety and the improvement of club facilities—attempts to employ paid permanent lifesavers did not occur until many years later.

Freshwater Surf Life Saving Club member, Rainsford Matheson, won the first ever surfboat race.

[4] After its initial construction in 1910 the club was renovated numerous times, including the addition of an extension, electricity and a phone line.

Designed by the long-serving member, former president of the club, and architect, Lindsay Gordon Scott, in the Inter-war Mediterranean style.

Dune restorations and tree planting commenced shortly after this event as the importance of the beaches' natural landscape was realised.

Although many young men were absent from patrol, numbers were consistent and unfailing due to older members acting as reserves and the recruitment of younger boys.

[10] The notion that women were inferior was a popular viewpoint prior to the movement and SLSA president, Adrian Curlewis, was reported as saying that woman's role in surf lifesaving was "making tea and raising funds".

[4] Freshwater Surf Life Saving Club has multiple function rooms that can be hired out for special events.