Surf Life Saving - Sydney Northern Beaches

Our History

Manly Warringah Branch / Sydney Northern Beaches Inc.

  • Manly Warringah Branch was formed 1st May 1960.
  • Up until that date, all surfing activities in this area came under the supervision of the Sydney Branch.
  • Mr. Alan Fitzgerald, President of the North Steyne SLSC was elected first president. He held this office for eight years.
  • At the 1st Annual Meeting, Mr. Lindsay Paton was elected treasurer and still serves in the Branch in 2004.
  • Board of Examiners, in anticipation of the new Branch – officers were elected in December 1959.
  • The first Branch Championships were staged at Newport Beach in January 1961. At this time, Newport celebrated its Golden Jubilee of 50 years service.
  • In October 1961, the Avalon Lions Club made necessary finance available to construct the prototype of the Torpedo Rescue Tube. Latter adopted by SLSA.
  • Branch Team visited South Africa – 1967.
  • Juveniles Association formed – 1966. First President - David Lawler.
  • Philippines Instruction Tour conducted by the Branch 1978-1979
  • 25 Year Anniversary held – 1959.  
  • 1965-1966 Inshore Rescue Boat (or rubber duck) introduced by Avalon SLSC, now used around Australia.
  • Helicopter service and
  • First Branch to use a radio communications network.
  • Season 1992-1993, name changed to Sydney Northern Beaches Inc.
  • In 2003 the Branch launched an Australian first again with the introduction of an all encompassing club and member management database, which significantly eased the burden on clubs administration.
  • In 2004 the Branch launched a further Australian first with the introduction of a software program to manage entries and the running of events at Surf Carnivals. The first complete system to replace pen and paper on the beach.
  • Surf Life Saving Sydney Northern Beaches - the largest Branch in Australia.
  • Season 2004-2005 Branch of the Year
  • 2004 Opened Surf Life Saving School
  • Board of Examiners split to Board of Surf Sports and Board of Education and Assessment
  • 2006 Traumatic Incident Peer Support 10 year Anniversary
  • Season 2005-06 NSW Branch of the Year
  • Season 2006-07 North Steyne, oldest Club in the Sydney Northern Beaches Branch celebrates 100 years.
  • 2006 Interbranch Champions
  • 2006 SLSNSW Community Education Program of the Year
  • 2007 SLSA Centennary Year
  • 2007/08 North Steyne Awarded Surf Life Saving Australia, Club of the Year Award
  • 2008 – Freshwater SLSA Centennary Year
  • Newport celebrated 100 Years if Surf Life Saving
  • Warriewood celebrated 60 years of Surf Life Saving
  • Long Reef celebrated 60 years of Surf Life Saving
  • Sydney Northern Beaches Branch celebrated 50 years at a prominent dinner
  • Branch purchased their own premises at Warriewood