LIFE SAVING CLUB

The Bondi Surf Bathers Life Saving Club, born on one of Australia’s best-known and iconic beaches, will be honoured with a Blue Plaque, to celebrate the legacy of the nation’s first-recorded lifesaving club.

The Club was establi shed in Feb 1907 after founding members recognised sea bathing was a danger to those unused to swimming at Sydney’s beaches. Its central aim was ‘the rescue of the distressed’.

Club members perform ed 3 4 rescues in their first year of operation, helping to inspire the creation of many similar surf lifesaving clubs at beaches across Australia.

After more than 100 yea rs, the Bondi Surf Bathers Life Saving Club remains in operation, rescuing more than 12,000 swimmers and surfers every year. Its club house is full of history, including a Hall of Champions.

The Blue Plaque is one of 14 wh ich have been selected in the second round of the NSW Government’s Blue Plaques NSW program. It was chosen from 117 nominations made by the public and assessed by independent historians. The new plaques will be installed in coming months, joining the 35 already in place. Heritage NSW is workin g to finalise the plaque’s location and once installed it will be listed on the Blue Plaques NSW website www.blueplaques.nsw.gov.au

Blue Plaques NSW celeb rates well-known characters many of us are familiar with, but also brings attention to lesser-known stories of people and events that shaped a particular community, town, or field of work or study.

“These Blue Plaques recognise the diverse individuals, events and perspectives that make the history of NSW so intriguing.

“Whether you’re exploring Sydney neighbourhoods such as Bondi or taking a drive off the beaten track to regional towns like Grafton and Pambula, there’s a Blue Plaque for you to discover.

“The installation of each new plaque brings added interest to the heritage of an area, encouraging locals to explore their backyards, and inviting those from further afield to learn more about the history of these communities.”

Minister for Heritage Penny Sharpe

“This Blue Plaque doesn't just mark history; it salutes the pioneers of the Bondi Surf Bathers Life Saving Club who made beach recreation safer for everyone.

“Beyond the sand, the bathers and the reel, this association has served to establish a long-standing tradition of service to others.”

Member for Coogee Marjorie O’Neill