Celebrating Waverley

Bondi Surf Bathers' Life Saving Club (BSBLSC)

Description

History

Bondi Surf Bather’s Lifesaving Club (BSBLSC) was first founded on 12 February, 1907 and is recognised by the Surf Life Saving Association as the oldest official surf club in Australia.

The first Lifeguard appointed was Dennis (‘Dinny’) Brown, a Bronte resident who started his solo patrol of Bondi in December 1913. Patrols on Bronte and Tamarama commenced soon afterward.

Lifeguards used to be known as Beach Inspectors and were colloquially called ‘Beachies’. Members of surf life saving clubs were frequently nicknamed 'Clubbies'.

The most dramatic day for rescues on any of Waverley's beaches was 6 February 1938, known as ‘Black Sunday’, when on Bondi Beach approximately 250 swimmers required assistance, 150 were rescued, 60 suffered near drowning, 35 brought to shore unconscious and five drowned.

Image

Bondi Beach - 1970's

Bondi Beach - 1940's

Bondi Sydney

Bondi SBLSC, demonstration team at Newcastle beach. Left to right: Mr Maroney, Mayor of Newcastle, C. Dennis, S. Dennis, R. Donaldson, L. Corbett, E. Love (Belt), S. Martin (Announcer.)

Bondi SBLSC, life saving techniques being practised, Entering surf with line

Bondi SBLSC, life saving techniques being practised, bringing in line

Bondi SBLSC, life saving techniques being practised - rescusitation. Major John Bond, left.

Notice board Brian Nezval, flag at 1/2 Mast January 2006, Bondi SBLSC Clubhouse

Bondi SBLSC Clubhouse