1950 - present

Peter ‘Doc’ Quartly joined Bondi Surf Club in 1964 and holds the record as the longest active patrolling member in Bondi history having completed 58 years of patrolling to date. A gentle and meticulous man, Peter’s Club career has focused on the core of surf lifesaving; volunteer patrols, education and administration.

Doc received his moniker as he was the ‘go-to’ member for first aid advice. Younger members of the Club erroneously assumed he was a doctor because of his consummate knowledge - the name stuck.

Always working for the betterment of the Club, Peter has distinguished himself by being willing to take on less glamorous roles to ensure the longevity of BSBLSC and to champion excellence in surf lifesaving.

He has served in the role of Patrol Captain/Vice Captain for 42 seasons, Club secretary 11 years, Treasurer/assistant treasurer 2 years, Vice Captain Lifesaving 4 years, Chief Instructor 2 years, Resuscitation Officer 5 years, and numerous committee positions including Judiciary, Gear Steward and Archives and also served as SLSS Branch Delegate for numerous seasons.

He was awarded Open Patrolman in 1984 and has held the title of Lifesaver of the Year 7 times between 1981 and 2007. Pete duly received life membership of BSBLSC in 1982.

He has been the leading light for Patrol Efficiency and advocate for higher lifesaving award development for members within the Club, always encouraging members to extend their lifesaving skills; ensuring that BSBLSC remains the Premier Club for lifesaving. Given his service to lifesaving, the beach is patrolled today by a Quartly Patrol.

Doc is know for his passion and commitment to Club competition; an avid and consistent Sunday Surf race competitor, Peter has held the position of Race Secretary for the Club for over 11 years. As the winner of the Cox Memorial 4 times, and having won the Mic Shearman in 26 seasons (and runner-up an additional 5 times), Doc Quartly is a force to be reckoned with.

Peter been awarded Meritorious Awards and Life Membership of SLS Sydney Branch for his services as an Examiner/Assessor since 1974, Secretary for 14 years, Waverley Area Surf Lifesaving Supervisor for 5 years, along with numerous roles in sub-committees.

In the Waverley area he is a Local Hero; having been a founding member of the North Bondi Precinct group and has held the role of Chairman since inception. Peter is also a founding member of Friends of Waverley Library, holding many committee positions since its formation almost 30 years ago. One of Doc’s great passions has been for the Bondi Amateur Swimming Club which bestowed Life Membership on Peter for continuous membership for almost 60 years and having held the positions of Patron, President, Vice President, Assistant Secretary, Royal Life Saving Coordinator and Race Starter. Peter’s activities in the wider Waverley Area attests to his commitment to his community and volunteerism.

Courtesy of Bondi Surf Bathers’ Life Saving Club.