1941

With many local lifesavers compelled to join the efforts of World War II, Australian Lifesaving culture spread throughout the world. Lifesaving procedures and methods were taught by Bondi locals in areas including Sri Lanka, the Solomon Islands and New Guinea. Bondi invention, the Surf Lifesaving reel even made its way to Palestine. In 1941 2AIF found a number of beaches in Palestine at which it’s personnel could relax. After several drownings the Australians began implementing lifesavers for the area by seconding former surf lifesavers to patrol beaches. Initially, the Australians relied on handmade reels, but calls back to Bondi quickly saw reels donated for patrols. One such reel was donated by the Waverley Patriotic Fund. This reel was used regularly before being left to assist ongoing lifesaving efforts on Palestine’s beaches, where the Australians had trained several Palestine youths. The 2AIF also held a number of surf carnivals.

Image courtesy the Australian War Memorial and the Waverley Library Local Studies Collection.