Our Club History...

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If you have any history about South Narrabeen Surf Life Saving club please send it to southnarrabeensurfclub@hotmail.com

South Narrabeen Surf Lifesaving Club was officially opened at 3pm on the 15th of December, 1923.

South Narrabeen Surf Life Saving Club Inc

(Sydney Northern Beaches Branch)

Commenced patrols 1922

The Club was formed by Archie McLean, Allen McLean and Norman Cox, all former members of North Narrabeen.

There were surf sheds at Devitt St, Narrabeen and after initial deliberations, this was ruled out. 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.

The initial decision to name the club Narrabeen was rejected in favour of South Narrabeen.

The Club has made some notable rescues and performed well in competition since its foundation.

Notable Rescues

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 off South Narrabeen beach

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

1969 Clubmember Paul Jackman died endeavouring to rescue two surfers just north of South Narrabeen.

On Saturday 15 February 1969, Paul Jackman was lost on an unpatrolled section of the beach between South Narrabeen and Narrabeen. On the day there was a particularly big sea running with kelp over the large area. Before the Saturday patrols commenced a message was relayed to the club that two people were in difficulties in water. Members in the vicinity of the club, and those about to start patrols, armed with two reels and went to the point where the two people were in difficulties. The two patients were brought to the beach after much difficulty with kelp on the line and the slipping of the belts by the patrol men. It was at this juncture that Paul went to the assistance of a club member and struck the same difficulties, his line was brought to the beach laden with kelp. Paul was unable to release his belt when hauled in and was pulled under water He did not respond to mouth to mouth and cardiac massage.

Notable Officals/Competitors

Many South Narrabeen members have made contributions to the development of surf life saving at club level, in competition and in the broader administration.

Fred Bertram MBE President 21 years Bertram later was instrumental in founding Narrabeen surf club

Alan Fidler - R&R Champion

Max Whitehead – R&R Championship and Belt Swimmer, 1st Captain of Manly Warringah Rugby League Team

Frank Collins- Australian Beach Sprint Champion and Rugby League winger for North Sydney Rugby League Team 1935-36, 1936-37

Peter Clarke – Captain Manly Warringah Branch Team to South Africa 1965

Charles O’Reilly- president 11 years

John Clarke - Australian Junior Beach Sprint Champion 1951-52

Jeff Champion - Australian Junior Beach Sprint Champion 1981-82

F Collins, M Whitehead, A Fidler, A Carrier, R Beer, H Walkden, Australian Beach Champions 1945-46

Other notable contributions;

Tony Haven, President Sydney Northern Beaches Branch 9 years

Gordon Davies Australian Official and Club Secretary

Terry Pailthorpe Member 1939 +, Competition Official