NARRABEEN BEACH SLSCALL ABOUTNARRABEEN BEACH SLSC
The ONLY Surf Lifesaving Club in NSW
(Australia?) (The World?)
that DOES NOT charge
patrolling members any membership fee!
Narrabeen Beach SLSC (Inc) is an enigma. At the same time it is one of the oldest, yet one of the
youngest (and smallest) surf life saving clubs in the Sydney metropolitan area.
The records state that the club was formed in July, 1964. However, a recently-discovered minute book found in the
roof of a house being demolished in Narrabeen clearly records that a Surf Club was formed as early as 1910 by the
businesses of Narrabeen, very close to its current location. No-one knows anything about this early club, how long
it lasted or who was involved. Perhaps it was the Great War which caused its demise.
The current Narrabeen Beach Surf Life Saving Club was born out of tragedy. A young man drowned on an unpatrolled
section of Narrabeen Beach because it took too long for the lifesavers from South Narrabeen SLSC to reach the area.
The then President of South Narrabeen SLSC, Fred Bertram, organised support from businesses in Narrabeen and from
neighbouring clubs to form and equip the club.
The first patrols were housed in a tin shed in the grounds of Furlough House, across the road from the current
clubhouse. Eventually, the club was able to purchase an old cottage from Furlough House which was transported across
the road and refurbished.
Later Warringah Shire Council assisted with further development. And recently the club members have raised nearly
a quarter of a million dollars to add some magnificent extensions to the building, making it one of the best facilities
on offer in the Northern Beaches.
The club is affiliated with the Surf Life Saving Sydney Northern Beaches branch of Surf Life Saving Australia.
PATROLS
Since patrols were established at Narrabeen Beach there has not been one life lost during patrol hours. This is a record of which the club is justly proud and places an extremely high importance in maintaining.
Patrols are well equipped and maintenance of equipment is also a high priority.
Patrol Members at Narrabeen Beach do NOT PAY ANY membership fees. (Some clubs
charge more than $100 per year!) Patrolling members at Narrabeen Beach also have free use of our state-of-the-art
gymnasium, boats, skis, boards, etc for training.
Again because of its size, Narrabeen Beach has not been a particularly high profile club in competition. However, in recent years the club has started to build a keen surf ski competition group, particularly amongst masters competitors.
The club encourages competition and, within the confines of budgets, assists competitors wherever possible.
(click here for more information)
The club has a small but enthusiastic Nipper (junior activities) division. Approximately
70 nippers join in competition and other activities organised by the Junior Activities Committee.
(click here for more information)