The club was founded in 1911 to patrol Manly Beach after a law banning daylight swimming was overturned.

In 1912 Captain Arthur Holmes, known as "Skipper" was appointed president of the Manly Life-Saving Club, a position which he held with conspicuous ability for 26 years.

As a carnival organiser he stood alone, his principal achievement in this direction being the great surfing gala at South Steyne on the occasion of the visit of the Duke of Gloucester.

He was secretary for years of the Voluntary Workers' Association, formed in 1916, to provide homes for disabled soldiers and sailors and their dependants.

[1] The primary role of the club is to provide surf rescue, first aid and promote water safety on Manly Beach.