Narrabeen Beach Surf Life Saving Club
Founded: 24.11.1910
Affiliated: 19.10.1914
First Clubhouse Built:
How started: Prior to the early 1960’s the Narrabeen stretch of beach was patrolled by North Narrabeen and South Narrabeen Surf Life Saving Clubs. On 12th April 1964, the patrol at South Narrabeen were alerted to swimmers in trouble around 300 m north of the patrol area. The patrol ran, carrying the reel, line and belt to the location to find a swimmer in difficulty. The beltman rescuer, having run the length of the beach, then dons the belt and swims to the patient, who was caught in a rip and was well out to sea.
Although exhausted from the strenuous activity, the beltman brings the patient ashore but unfortunately, the patient failed to recover from drowning. On the same day, three other rescues are performed in similar locations. The patrol logbook on the day recorded, “three rescues and one drowning”.
Members at South Narrabeen were greatly concerned after the incident that drownings would occur in the future. Under thedirection of Fred Bertram, and South Narrabeen Surf Life Saving Club, a group of bronze holders decided to establish a newclub at Narrabeen Beach. It was quickly installed with borrowed equipment from North Narrabeen, South Narrabeen, MonaVale and Freshwater Surf Life Saving Clubs. For the remainder of that season, gear was stored at Furlough House and carried across Ocean Street for each patrol.
The inaugural meeting for the club was held on 24 July 1964 to elect the Committee and establish the Club. The meeting washeld at The Royal Antler Hotel and the inaugural committee was;
President: Keith Rumble, Vice Presidents, Fred Bertram, Jim Blair and Stan Dawson. Club Captain:Peter Carruthers and Vice Captain; Laurie Barraclough.
Hon Secretary; Parie Chaperon and Treasurer: Eric Gibbs.
A small cottage at Furlough House became available and funds were raised by Fred Bertram and members to purchase the cottage for £375 ($750). It cost another £575 ($1,150) to arrange relocation to the current clubhouse position in Furlough Park. With donations from local builders, Warringah Council, building material suppliers and others, the cottage was converted into a clubhouse for members. Much of the interior work was carried out by Harold (Gogga) Lumley, who later became President of the Club in 1968.
A formal licence agreement was made on 31st December 1969, with Warringah Council, NSW Lands Department and Narrabeen Beach Surf Life Saving Club for the continuous use of the facility and land for a Surf Life Saving Club.
How was the Club Formed: Prior to the early 1960’s the Narrabeen stretch of beach was patrolled by
North Narrabeen and South Narrabeen Surf Life Saving Clubs. On 12th April 1964, the patrol at South Narrabeen were alerted to swimmers in trouble around 300 m north of the patrol area. The patrol ran, carrying the reel, line and belt to the location tofind a swimmer in difficulty. The beltman rescuer, having run the length of the beach, then dons the belt and swims to the patient, who was caught in a rip and was well out to sea.
Although exhausted from the strenuous activity, the beltman brings the patient ashore but unfortunately, the patient failed to recover from drowning. On the same day, three other rescues are performed in similar locations. The patrol logbook on the day recorded, “three rescues and one drowning”.
Members at South Narrabeen were greatly concerned after the incident that drownings would occur in the future. Under the direction of Fred Bertram, and South Narrabeen Surf Life Saving Club, a group of bronze holders decided to establish a new club at Narrabeen Beach. It was quickly installed with borrowed equipment from North Narrabeen, South Narrabeen, MonaVale and Freshwater Surf Life Saving Clubs. For the remainder of that season, gear was stored at Furlough House and carried across Ocean Street for each patrol.
The inaugural meeting for the club was held on 24 July 1964 to elect the Committee and establish the Club. The meeting wa sheld at The Royal Antler Hotel and the inaugural committee was;
President: Keith Rumble, Vice Presidents, Fred Bertram, Jim Blair and Stan Dawson. Club Captain:Peter Carruthers and Vice Captain; Laurie Barraclough.
Hon Secretary; Parie Chaperon and Treasurer: Eric Gibbs.
Formation Date: 24 July 1964
Affiliation Date: August 1964
Council Approval Date: A formal licence agreement was made on 31st December 1969, with Warringah Council,NSW Lands Department and Narrabeen Beach Surf Life Saving Club for the continuous use of the facility and land fora Surf Life Saving Club.
Patrols Commenced: At Narrabeen Beach in October 1964.
First Bronze Medallion – Squad – Date: Training of Bronze Medallion commenced in 1964 with the first recipients receiving awardsin 1965.
First Clubhouse Built: A small cottage at Furlough House became available and funds were raised by Fred Bertram andmembers to purchase the cottage for £375 ($750). It cost another £575 ($1,150) to arrange relocation to the current clubhouse position in Furlough Park. With donations from local builders, Warringah Council, building material suppliers and others, the cottage was converted into a clubhouse for members. Much of the interior work was carried out by Harold (Gogga) Lumley, who later became President of the Club in 1968.
Subsequent Clubhouses: The original clubhouse continued in use with modifications through to 1999. The southern section of the club was then upgraded to include a second-floor function room and kitchen. This was used to hire for functions and community groups which provided an income for the club. Then in 2010 the old northern section of the building was demolished and fully rebuilt into the facility we have today. This was built through the assistance of a NSW State Government grant, club funds, members loans and bank loan.
Junior Activities/Nippers Formation Date: Narrabeen Beach SLSC junior activities started in 1967 not
long after the formation of the club. The junior section operated as a separate club, up until amalgamation with the senior clubin March 2000. The club continues to run a Junior Activities section with parents acting as age managers and a separate sub-committee under the Director of Junior Activities.
Club Historian: Wayne Schwebel (M) 0402 011 204
Has a History Book been written? No
