Whale Beach Surf Life Saving Club
Founded: 21.01.1929
Affiliated: 31 October 1937 with SLSA. Or 30/09/1929 – check
First Clubhouse Built: The first clubhouse and shark lookout tower was the frame of a windmill water pump stand enclosed with corrugated iron.
How started: During the 1920s Whale Beach became a popular weekend camping place for those who were keen surfers. Following several near fatalities by drowning.
In 1926, a group of beach regulars formed a lifesaving squad and purchased a reel, line and belt and they began all day patrols each weekend. These patrols became spasmodic over the next decade until a group of campers, weekenders and some locals, joined to formally establish a Whale Beach Surf Life Saving Club
The inaugural meeting to form a club was in October 3rd, 1937.
Brief history:
During the 1920s Whale Beach became a popular weekend camping place for those who were keen surfers. Following several near fatalities by drowning.
In 1926, a group of beach regulars formed a lifesaving squad and purchased a reel. line and belt and they began all day patrols each weekend.
These patrols became spasmodic over the next decade until a group of campers, weekenders and some locals, joined to formally establish a Whale Beach Surf Life Saving Club
The inaugural meeting to form a club was in October 3rd, 1937. It was attended by 40 people and was chaired by Mr Adrian Curlewis, then President of the Surf Lifesaving Association of Australia.
The first General Meeting was held on October 31st .1937. Affiliation with SLSA was confirmed and Club membership set at five shillings.
On January 9th, 1938, eleven members gained the Bronze Medallion followed by a further 10 over the next 3 months.
The first clubhouse and shark lookout tower was the frame of a windmill water pump stand enclosed with corrugated iron.
The Club was affiliated with the Sydney Branch of SLSA and in 1957, the secretary of Whale Beach SLSC, Jack Clark, became Vice President of that Branch.
The formation of Northern Beaches Branch became a constant subject of discussion and a meeting was held at North Steyne SLSC in 1959 attended by a number of local clubs with delegates from Whale Beach SLSC.
A steering committee was formed and in the ensuring months permission to form this new Branch was granted by State Centre.
The Manly Warringah Branch held its first meeting in February 1960. Mr Alan Fitzgerald of North Steyne SLSC was elected President and the Honorary Secretary for two seasons was Jack Clark of Whale Beach until the Northern Beaches Branch was incorporated.
How was the Club Formed: The Northbridge Swimmer Club President F.J.’Pop’ Timms, had bought land and built a shack and a number of NBSC members became weekend regulars This was in the mid 1930’s. Campers, weekenders and the few locals were canvassed about forming a surf lifesaving club.
Formation Date: The inaugural meeting was held in the timber dressing sheds at the southern end of the beach. Date was October 3rd, 1931. It was attended by 40 people and the chairperson was Mr Adrian Curlewis. It was a unanimous vote to form the Whale Beach SLSC.
Affiliation Date: At that meeting it was decided to affiliate with the Surf Lifesaving Association of Australia.
Council Approval Date: No record of formal Council approval in Club minutes.
Patrols Commenced: In 1926, a group of beach regulars formed a lifesaving squad and had a reel, line and belt supplied by the Council and patrolled the beach on weekends and public holidays. Those organised Patrols stopped after only few summers.
First Bronze Medallion – Squad – Date: At the inaugural meeting, 23 individuals registered as members. Two bronze squads were formed and all 11 members achieved the Bronze Medallion on January 9th, 1937. A further 10 qualified over the following year and season.
First Clubhouse Built: In 1937, the first clubhouse was made from a windmill water pump tower enclosed at the base by corrugate iron and a shark lookout platform higher up. Inside the structure was room for two surf reels or two members to change.
Subsequent Clubhouses: In 1941, a stone boathouse/clubhouse was built just above the high tide mark on the top level of the sandhill. Council approved the Club collecting parking fees from motorists. Hot water, tea and foods were on sale to raise money and special events held to raise funds. The goal was to finance purchase of land and the build a clubhouse. This was achieved with the opening of a two storey, brick and concrete clubhouse on December 20th 1953. There is now a third story to this building and a large boat/gear shed with a first aid room in front of the clubhouse.
Junior Activities/Nippers Formation Date: In the 50s and 60s, Club had a good number of cadets aged from 10 to 13 years. A majority staying on as active members from age 16. Due to its location, there was not call for ‘Nippers’ with few families living in the surrounding areas. The Club has conducted activities over Christmas holidays for ‘Little Rippers’, being children of visitors and members.
Club Historian: Andrew Pearce, Past President 2015-2020
Has a History Book been written? A 110 page book recording the 50 Years of Whale Beach SLSC was produced in 1987. In 2022, another publication records personal stories of rescues at Whale Beach from the Meritorious Awarded rescue in 1937 to recent times. It also outlines the achievements of the Club in acquiring a substantial, freehold clubhouse, in carnival competition, initiating the premier ocean swim event with it’s 50th anniversary in 2024 and other memorable Club events. Many members are named.
