Undoubtedly, Surflife Saving is written into Australia's history From its fledgling beginnings as various Sydney Surf Life Saving Clubs and brigades in the 1 870's, Surf Life Saving Australia now has more than 77,000 members in more than 256 Clubs stretching from Darwin in the Northern Territory, to Clifton Beach in Tasmania. Surf Lifesavers protect thousands of kilometres of Australia's coastline. Australians have spread the Surf Life Saving gospel world wide. They have been responsible for helping found Associations in South Africa, Great Britain, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Taiwan, Japan and Peru. During the second World War Australians studied for Surf Life Saving awards in the notorious Changi prison camp, and surf carnivals were held in the Middle East.
Many people perceive Surf Life Saving to be the epitome of Australia's spirit.
Former Prime Minister, the late Sir Robert Menzies, said that when asked to speak of something uniquely Australian he would mention the Royal Plying Doctor Service or Surf Life Saving Australia. Today the Movement is at the forefront of world research into aquatic rescue, marine stingers, resuscitation and first aid techniques. More than 370,000 recorded rescues carried out by surf lifesavers since 1907 stand as testimony to the dedication and professionalism of the men and women who volunteer their time to making Australian beaches safe.