Yamba Surf Lifesaving Club — keeping beaches safe this season
Established in 1908, the Yamba Surf Lifesaving Club is one of the oldest in the world. Photos courtesy of Yamba SLSC.
The 2023/24 NSW beach patrol season, which ends on April 24, 2024, sees lifeguards and lifesavers rostered for duty on weekends and public holidays throughout the peak swimming months.
In Yamba, where there are five main beaches — Turners, Whiting, Main, Convent, and Pippi — and conditions change on a daily basis.
To ensure you enjoy your time at the beach, make sure to follow these common sense tips:
Always swim at patrolled beaches and only between the red and yellow flags
Observe the safety signs
If you’re unsure about the conditions, ask a lifesaver or lifeguard before entering the water
Swim with a friend where possible
If you find yourself in trouble, put your hand up for help
Always supervise young children in and around the water
One of the oldest surf clubs in the world
The Yamba Surf Lifesaving Club was formed at a meeting at the Yamba School of Arts on September 9th, 1908 and has been operating continuously since that time. It is the oldest surf club on the Far North Coast of New South Wales and one of the oldest in the world.
In March, 1908 teenagers Walter Freeburn and Clarrie Redman used a life buoy and line to rescue Maclean resident Samuel Dhu in a heavy swell at the northern end of Main Beach. They received Royal Shipwreck and Humane Society of NSW awards for their efforts and this rescue was the catalyst for the formation of the Yamba Surf Lifesaving Club. Both men became valued members of the new club under the inaugural President Ted Cox, Club Captain Bill Black and Secretary/Treasurer and Instructor George Lowe.
The first club rooms were built in the 1913-14 season and the present clubhouse was opened in 1931 with extensions and alterations occurring in subsequent years. The club has operated uninterrupted by World Wars and The Depression since its inception over 100 years ago.
The Club is very proud of the fact that in its 115-year history, no lives have been lost through drowning on Main Beach whilst patrols have been operating.
The prime purpose of Yamba Surf Life Saving Club is to patrol Main Beach, keeping it safe for the beach-going public.
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