1915 - 1987

Vic ‘Tiny’ Besomo joined Bondi SBLSC as a Junior Member in 1931 and gained his Bronze Medallion that year. At 15 years he was placed second in the 880 yards at the Australian National Swimming Titles. He was quietly spoken but both tall and broad with the physical ability to excel at swimming and water polo, winning the Club's Surf and Belt Championships and achieving representation for Australia in both Surfing and Water Polo.

He was Club Secretary for two stints, broken by service during World War II, and was granted Life Membership in 1943. He was also a Life Member of Bondi Icebergs.

At the formation of SLS Sydney Branch Vic was elected Vice-President and held the position from 1949 till 1953. Vic was a very enthusiastic Member of the Board of Examiners, served as State Superintendent for four years and Hon. Chief Superintendent of Australia between 1953-57. He was known for displaying firm but fair discipline which earned him the respect of both Officials and Competitors alike. He was referee and organiser of the 1954 Royal Surf Carnival, attended by Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip at Bondi and was awarded the Queen’s Coronation Medal for service to Surf Lifesaving. The Royal Carnival was considered the most spectacular surf carnival in the annals of SLS history.

He was elevated to Life Membership of Sydney Branch, State Centre and finally the Association - a truly magnificent tribute. He passed away on April 16, 1987 aged 72. The BSBLSB Besomo Patrol now honours his contribution to Bondi. Vic Besemo was also a notable member of the Bondi Waterpolo Club and was a member of the first Australian Waterpolo team in 1938. Besemo was a large and powerful man with an amazing turn of speed and very accurate shot. He played in the New South Wales Team in 1931 and 1940. Unsurprisingly, he was an excellent swimmer, capturing the NSWASA championship for 220 yards freestyle in 1931.

Courtesy Bondi Surf Bathers Life Saving Club and Water Warriors, Tracy Rockwell (Hon. Historian).