Australia’s first volunteer Surf Life Saving clubs emerged in 1907 on Sydney’s ocean beaches. Surf-bathing had been rapidly increasing in popularity in the early 20th Century and in turn by-laws which had previously prevented bathing in daylight hours since the 1830s were gradually removed between 1902 and 1905, to reflect changing public attitudes.
These changes had a dramatic impact on local beach culture as the number of beachgoers entering the surf suddenly increased. As many bathers couldn’t swim the number of drownings and attempted rescues also suddenly increased.
On October 18, 1907, representatives from Sydney Surf Life Saving Clubs, together with members of other interested groups, met to form the Surf Bathing Association of New South Wales, the organisation which is now known as Surf Life Saving Australia.
Surf Life Saving in Tasmania has, since the time of its inception in 1921 forged a very important place in the history of Tasmania and has become an integral part of this great Australian organisation. The extensive history of Surf Life Saving in Tasmania and throughout Australia has grown and developed for almost 100 years and become part of Australian tradition and an essential service to the wider community.
Today, Surf Life Saving Tasmania comprises a State Office, 15 Surf Life Saving Clubs, 3 Marine Rescue Units and 3 Support Services located around the coastline and over 2300 members who are all committed to saving lives and positively impacting on their local communities.
Listed below are our current Clubs and Marine Rescue Services and date founded or affiliated with SLST.
Surf Life Saving Clubs |
|
Raspins Beach | 2018 |
Bicheno | 2011 |
Bridport | 2010 |
Burnie | 1921 |
Boat Harbour Beach | 1984 |
Carlton Park | 1975 |
Clifton Beach | 1963 |
Devonport | 1927 |
Kingston Beach | 2009 |
Launceston LSC | 1998 |
Penguin | 1930 |
Port Sorell | 2003 |
Somerset | 1969 |
Scamander | 2007 |
Ulverstone | 1928 |
Marine Rescue Services |
|
Kingborough VMR | 2011 |
Wynyard VMR | 2015 |
Tamar Sea Rescue | 2011 |