Surf Life Saving celebrates 100 Years

Surf Life Saving celebrates 100 Years as Patrol Season is set to begin

More than 50,000 lives have been saved by Surf Lifeguards on the country’s beaches over the past 100 years as Surf Life Saving prepares to celebrate its Centenary season.   Patrols are set to begin from Labour Weekend as Surf Club’s prepare for the upcoming season. The summer of 2010/2011 has been dubbed the ‘Summer of the Surf Lifeguard’ and will celebrate the legacy of dedication and leadership from the men and women who have served New Zealand beach-goers since 1910.

The coming summer months will see Centenary celebrations roll out nationwide through planned activities including a free interactive travelling road exhibition titled ‘Between the Flags – 100 Years of Surf Life Saving in New Zealand’ which will tour the country.  It will begin a six month tour around the country in Wellington from today and is free for all New Zealanders to enjoy and learn about the history of Surf Life Saving in New Zealand.

From small beginnings the Surf Life Saving movement spread throughout New Zealand developing into a distinctive, home-grown and innovative symbol of this country’s youth and potential.  More than a quarter of a million people have belonged to Surf Life Saving Club’s over the past 100 years with the first clubs being formed in New Brighton (Christchurch), Lyall Bay (Wellington), Worser Bay (Wellington), St Clair (Dunedin) and Wanganui/Castlecliff (Whanganui) in 1910. 

Today Surf Life Saving New Zealand is an organisation of over 15,800 members and 73 Clubs.  Each year trained volunteer Surf Lifeguards provide more than 190,000 hours of patrol time on weekends and public holidays to make our favourite playground safer for all New Zealanders.

“Surf Life Saving is as much a part of our sense of community today as it was in 1910.  It’s the celebration of 100 years of community spirit, camaraderie and sense of responsibility for others in our community,” said Grant Florence, Surf Life Saving Chief Executive. 

“It is our opportunity to promote our proud history and acknowledge the fundamental role Surf Lifeguards play in keeping New Zealand’s favourite playground safer for everyone”. 

For more information go to: www.100yearsofsurflifesaving.org.nz. – and for detailed beach patrol information go to www.surflifesaving.org.nz/findaclubinnz
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