Our History
1960s
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2010
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2011
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South Narrabeen SLSC was formed by Archie McLean, Allen McLean and Norman Cox, all were former members of North Narrabeen SLSC.
There were surf sheds at Devitt St, Narrabeen and after initial deliberations, this was ruled out as a potential Clubhouse for the newly formed Surf Club. A Committee was formed under the leadership of E Cox and the Progress Association was approached for assistance. Mr Ike Larkin, President of the Association assisted with the development of the Club. Some land with a small hall was donated to the Club. The hall was sold and a new Clubhouse erected. Patrols commenced in 1922.
South Narrabeen Surf Life Saving Club was officially opened at 3pm on the 15th of December, 1923.
The initial decision to name the Club Narrabeen was rejected in favour of South Narrabeen.
The Club has harboured some wonderful leaders in the organisation, made some notable rescues and have performed well in competition since its foundation.
There were surf sheds at Devitt St, Narrabeen and after initial deliberations, this was ruled out as a potential Clubhouse for the newly formed Surf Club. A Committee was formed under the leadership of E Cox and the Progress Association was approached for assistance. Mr Ike Larkin, President of the Association assisted with the development of the Club. Some land with a small hall was donated to the Club. The hall was sold and a new Clubhouse erected. Patrols commenced in 1922.
South Narrabeen Surf Life Saving Club was officially opened at 3pm on the 15th of December, 1923.
The initial decision to name the Club Narrabeen was rejected in favour of South Narrabeen.
The Club has harboured some wonderful leaders in the organisation, made some notable rescues and have performed well in competition since its foundation.
Notable Events
Stan Gray with Surf Ski designed by Fidler and Whitehead (1948)
(Northern Beaches Library Service Local History Collection)
1907
D McLean received the Bronze Medallion/certificate for the rescue of T P Johnstone
1923
Letter of commendation from W Lloyd National Humane Society for rescue of L Smith
1938-39
Southy has a long and proud tradition of surf boat rowing. A new boat, usually named to celebrate a noteworthy member became part of the Club’s story. The Wally Proudfoot was one of these surf boats. Read more about The Wally Proudfoot here.
1939 - South Narrabeen Surfcraft
These two photographs (left and below) are of Alan Fidler in Newcastle (1939) and Stan Gray posing before a beautiful surf ski designed by Alan Fidler and Max Whitehead in 1948. Like many surf lifesavers Alan and Max maintained an interest in the design and use of surfcraft.
Alan Fidler with Surf Ski (1939)
And it wasn’t just the men who could use these. Long term Southy supporter and local businesswoman Joan Le Clerc was in 1941 a fit and active woman, enjoying hiking and cycling. She was also widely regarded as one of the most skilled surf ski riders in the district.
1939-45
As the war developed, Southy members and friends joined the AIF, the RAAF, Navy and WAAF. Click here to read about the involvement of South Narrabeen's members in WW2.
1946
Arthur Le Clerc and Robert Le Clerc Bronze Medallion and Certificate for prompt and efficient rescue work at South Narrabeen beach on 4 December 1946
1939-45
As the war developed, Southy members and friends joined the AIF, the RAAF, Navy and WAAF. Click here to read about the involvement of South Narrabeen's members in WW2.
1946
Arthur Le Clerc and Robert Le Clerc Bronze Medallion and Certificate for prompt and efficient rescue work at South Narrabeen beach on 4 December 1946
1961
In mid 1961, Jimar Productions (Sydney) film crews and actors joined South Narrabeen members as extras on the beach at Southy for the filming of a movie Bungala Boys.
The film, based on Claire Meillon’s novel The new surf club was made by Jimar at the request of the Children’s Foundation of Britain, to screen to teenage audiences throughout Britain and later to other parts of the world. In the movie, a selfish and carefree youngster, eager to have all the advantages of the little surf club Bungala, formed by his brother, was unwilling to accept the consequent responsibilities, such as training and commitment. His transformation into a responsible adult and valuable club member is the story of the film. (And a prescient comment on the attitudes of the times) Surf lifesaving clubs of the northern beaches lent boats and crews to the film, an authentic touch to a surf carnival race scenes, some of which were filmed at South Narrabeen beach. For the movie buffs, Bungala Boys is the first Australian non documentary feature film made in wide screen colour which features surf clubs and surf club members as the theme of its story. Another first for Southy. Southy was not represented at the film’s premiere in London on 2 December 1961, but the Club received £19 – 12- 6 for their support – appropriately put towards Club equipment. And the news story South Narrabeen Movie Stars, appeared in the Women’s Weekly of 28 June 1961. The movie can be seen on YouTube.
In mid 1961, Jimar Productions (Sydney) film crews and actors joined South Narrabeen members as extras on the beach at Southy for the filming of a movie Bungala Boys.
The film, based on Claire Meillon’s novel The new surf club was made by Jimar at the request of the Children’s Foundation of Britain, to screen to teenage audiences throughout Britain and later to other parts of the world. In the movie, a selfish and carefree youngster, eager to have all the advantages of the little surf club Bungala, formed by his brother, was unwilling to accept the consequent responsibilities, such as training and commitment. His transformation into a responsible adult and valuable club member is the story of the film. (And a prescient comment on the attitudes of the times) Surf lifesaving clubs of the northern beaches lent boats and crews to the film, an authentic touch to a surf carnival race scenes, some of which were filmed at South Narrabeen beach. For the movie buffs, Bungala Boys is the first Australian non documentary feature film made in wide screen colour which features surf clubs and surf club members as the theme of its story. Another first for Southy. Southy was not represented at the film’s premiere in London on 2 December 1961, but the Club received £19 – 12- 6 for their support – appropriately put towards Club equipment. And the news story South Narrabeen Movie Stars, appeared in the Women’s Weekly of 28 June 1961. The movie can be seen on YouTube.
1969
Club member Paul Jackman died endeavouring to rescue two surfers just north of South Narrabeen.
On Saturday 15 February 1969 Paul Jackman was drowned on an unpatrolled section of beach between South Narrabeen and Narrabeen, on Sydney's northern beaches. On that day there was a big sea running with large clusters of kelp strewn widely throughout the surf. Before the Saturday patrol commenced Patrol Captain Rick Smee decided that the beach would not be opened for swimming. In those days the red and yellow flags were crossed to signify 'Beach Closed'. This was the situation when a message was received that two swimmers were in difficulties about 300 metres north of SNSLC clubhouse and approximately 200 metres out beyond the break.
Members in the vicinity grabbed a reel and ran to the point opposite where the swimmers were in difficulty. Bruce Jones and James Brownhill attempted to swim out (minus belt) but were beaten back by the heavy surf. Graham True then took the belt and attempted to reach the two swimmers struggling beyond where the waves were dumping, but he also couldn't get past the break which was extensive, powerful and very rough. Jackman and Brownhill went to True's aid. By now large amounts of kelp were washing in, fouling the line and hampering rescue efforts. The belt was retrieved, the line cleared and Smee took the belt and attempted to swim through the break. A substantial quantity of heavy kelp had now entangled the line and Smee was pulled backwards down the face of a wave (estimated 9-10feet). Smashed by the breaking wave and dragged along the bottom underwater Smee tried to pull the safety-pin but found it jammed. While being pulled along the bottom he managed to remove the neck-strap and slide the belt down over his feet, eventually making his way to the surface.
Exhausted, Smee then made his way back toward the beach while Graham True entered the water to come to his aid. About this time the belt was retrieved and more kelp removed from the line. Those on the beach still did not realise that the safety-pin was jammed and therefore inoperable! Paul Jackman then donned the belt and entered the water about 30 metres north of Smee's position, when he came abreast of him, Smee called out to him “Go back!” Jackman stopped swimming, looked at Smee, then continued swimming out towards where the two were in trouble beyond the break.
Graham True reached Smee about thirty yards from shore and assisted him back to the beach. By now Jackman was lost to sight. The belt was pulled in covered with kelp, with an unconscious Paul Jackman still trapped in it. Mouth to mouth resuscitation and cardiac massage were applied simultaneously until an ambulance arrived. Later that afternoon the club was advised that Paul had died on the way to Mona Vale Hospital.
2014
Rescue of the Month - February, Surf Life Saving Australia
Patrolling members Peter Madden (Patrol Captain), Angie Thorpe, Jacinta Paquay, Chris Gale and Sean Coutts saved the life of woman, severely allergic, stung by a blue bottle on 9 February, 2014.
Club member Paul Jackman died endeavouring to rescue two surfers just north of South Narrabeen.
On Saturday 15 February 1969 Paul Jackman was drowned on an unpatrolled section of beach between South Narrabeen and Narrabeen, on Sydney's northern beaches. On that day there was a big sea running with large clusters of kelp strewn widely throughout the surf. Before the Saturday patrol commenced Patrol Captain Rick Smee decided that the beach would not be opened for swimming. In those days the red and yellow flags were crossed to signify 'Beach Closed'. This was the situation when a message was received that two swimmers were in difficulties about 300 metres north of SNSLC clubhouse and approximately 200 metres out beyond the break.
Members in the vicinity grabbed a reel and ran to the point opposite where the swimmers were in difficulty. Bruce Jones and James Brownhill attempted to swim out (minus belt) but were beaten back by the heavy surf. Graham True then took the belt and attempted to reach the two swimmers struggling beyond where the waves were dumping, but he also couldn't get past the break which was extensive, powerful and very rough. Jackman and Brownhill went to True's aid. By now large amounts of kelp were washing in, fouling the line and hampering rescue efforts. The belt was retrieved, the line cleared and Smee took the belt and attempted to swim through the break. A substantial quantity of heavy kelp had now entangled the line and Smee was pulled backwards down the face of a wave (estimated 9-10feet). Smashed by the breaking wave and dragged along the bottom underwater Smee tried to pull the safety-pin but found it jammed. While being pulled along the bottom he managed to remove the neck-strap and slide the belt down over his feet, eventually making his way to the surface.
Exhausted, Smee then made his way back toward the beach while Graham True entered the water to come to his aid. About this time the belt was retrieved and more kelp removed from the line. Those on the beach still did not realise that the safety-pin was jammed and therefore inoperable! Paul Jackman then donned the belt and entered the water about 30 metres north of Smee's position, when he came abreast of him, Smee called out to him “Go back!” Jackman stopped swimming, looked at Smee, then continued swimming out towards where the two were in trouble beyond the break.
Graham True reached Smee about thirty yards from shore and assisted him back to the beach. By now Jackman was lost to sight. The belt was pulled in covered with kelp, with an unconscious Paul Jackman still trapped in it. Mouth to mouth resuscitation and cardiac massage were applied simultaneously until an ambulance arrived. Later that afternoon the club was advised that Paul had died on the way to Mona Vale Hospital.
2014
Rescue of the Month - February, Surf Life Saving Australia
Patrolling members Peter Madden (Patrol Captain), Angie Thorpe, Jacinta Paquay, Chris Gale and Sean Coutts saved the life of woman, severely allergic, stung by a blue bottle on 9 February, 2014.
Education Officer Mike Renie Assisting Crews with the recovery of a Light Aircraft. Credit: Ian Bird 2021
2021
After suffering engine failure, a light aircraft landed on the beach at low tide in front of the clubhouse, no one involved was seriously injured. To read more about the interesting history of South Narrabeen's involvement with aircraft, click here.
After suffering engine failure, a light aircraft landed on the beach at low tide in front of the clubhouse, no one involved was seriously injured. To read more about the interesting history of South Narrabeen's involvement with aircraft, click here.
notable members
We are lucky at South Narrabeen SLSC to have 3 Patrons. The Honorable Rob Stokes Member for Pittwater, Jason Falinski Member for Mackellar and Councillor Sue Heins Deputy Major of Northern Beaches Council.
Many members of South Narrabeen SLSC have made contributions to the development of Surf Life Saving at Club, Branch, State and National level. These areas include lifesaving, education, sport and the broader administration.
Tony Haven AM
President, Surf Life Saving New South Wales 9 years
President, Surf Life Saving Sydney Northern Beaches 5 years
Life Member, Surf Life Saving Sydney Northern Beaches
Life Member, Surf Life Saving New South Wales
Life Member, Surf Life Saving Australia
Australian Sports Medal
Australian Commonwealth Government National Medal Award
Member of the Order of Australia
100 Most Influential People on the Sydney Northern Beaches
Charles O’Reilly
President, South Narrabeen SLSC 11 years
Life Member and Distinguished Service, Surf Life Saving Sydney Northern Beaches
Peter Clarke
Captain Manly Warringah Branch Team to South Africa 1965
Life Member and Distinguished Service, Surf Life Saving Sydney Northern Beaches
Andy Cross
National Volunteer of the Year 2014
New South Wales Volunteer of the Year 2014
Sydney Northern Beaches Volunteer of the Year 2014
National Clubbie of the Year 2011
Sarah Oaten (nee Haven)
Only original Nipper member to still be a member of South Narrabeen SLSC
Surf Life Saving Sydney Northern Beaches North America Lifesaving Tour 2001
1st - SNB Branch Championships - Champion Lifesaver 2001
3rd - NSW State Championships - Champion Lifesaver 2001
Female Youth Patrol Person of the Year, Surf Life Saving Sydney Northern Beaches 2003
Surf Life Saving National Leadership Camp 2004
First female Life Member of South Narrabeen SLSC
Fred Bertram MBE*
President 21 years Bertram later was instrumental in founding Narrabeen SLSC
Life Member Narrabeen Beach SLSC
Life Member Surf Life Saving Sydney Northern Beaches
Many members of South Narrabeen SLSC have made contributions to the development of Surf Life Saving at Club, Branch, State and National level. These areas include lifesaving, education, sport and the broader administration.
Tony Haven AM
President, Surf Life Saving New South Wales 9 years
President, Surf Life Saving Sydney Northern Beaches 5 years
Life Member, Surf Life Saving Sydney Northern Beaches
Life Member, Surf Life Saving New South Wales
Life Member, Surf Life Saving Australia
Australian Sports Medal
Australian Commonwealth Government National Medal Award
Member of the Order of Australia
100 Most Influential People on the Sydney Northern Beaches
Charles O’Reilly
President, South Narrabeen SLSC 11 years
Life Member and Distinguished Service, Surf Life Saving Sydney Northern Beaches
Peter Clarke
Captain Manly Warringah Branch Team to South Africa 1965
Life Member and Distinguished Service, Surf Life Saving Sydney Northern Beaches
Andy Cross
National Volunteer of the Year 2014
New South Wales Volunteer of the Year 2014
Sydney Northern Beaches Volunteer of the Year 2014
National Clubbie of the Year 2011
Sarah Oaten (nee Haven)
Only original Nipper member to still be a member of South Narrabeen SLSC
Surf Life Saving Sydney Northern Beaches North America Lifesaving Tour 2001
1st - SNB Branch Championships - Champion Lifesaver 2001
3rd - NSW State Championships - Champion Lifesaver 2001
Female Youth Patrol Person of the Year, Surf Life Saving Sydney Northern Beaches 2003
Surf Life Saving National Leadership Camp 2004
First female Life Member of South Narrabeen SLSC
Fred Bertram MBE*
President 21 years Bertram later was instrumental in founding Narrabeen SLSC
Life Member Narrabeen Beach SLSC
Life Member Surf Life Saving Sydney Northern Beaches
