Bertrum (Bert) Christian King OAM – Newport SLSC
Bert King’s passion in Surf Life Saving was surfboats and sweeping. While Bert taught countless novices how to sweep, he played a huge role in power surf rescue in Australia. Known affectionately as ‘Mr Newport’, Bert and other members from the Newport Club thought there had to be a better way of making surf rescues after an incident at Avalon in the early 1960’s.
Using a US designed 19 footer Bartender boat, they were ‘it’ for rescues at sea from Manly to Palm Beach as the Water Police could not leave Pittwater. Through trial and error they also introduced both radio communication and oxy-vivas to Surf Life Saving. Bert was a past President of Newport Club and Manly Warringah (now Sydney Northern Beaches Branch) and held numerous State and National positions.
Bert original joined Narrabeen Beach SLSC in 1945 where he gained is Bronze and transferred the following year to Newport SLSC where he remained until 2013.
Bert held many roles at Newport including Board & Ski Captain, Boat Captain, Club Captain, Power Boat Captain, Gear Steward, Branch Delegate, Hon. Secretary and Club President from 1970 until 1972 and then again from 1974 – 1978.
At a Branch level Bert was a the Boat Inspector for 10 years, he served on the Power Boat Surf Rescue Craft/Steering Committee, the Boat Committee and the Power Boat Advisory Committee. He also served on the State Power Boat Committee for 4 years and was the Surf Craft Supervisor for 5 years.
He was a Life Member of Newport Surf Club, SLS Sydney Northern Beaches Branch, SLSNSW and SLSA. He was awarded an OAM for his services to surf lifesaving, specifically power surf rescue.
Bert was awarded SNB Life Membership in 1981.
Bert passed away on September 19th, 2013. He was aged 83.