Surf Life Saving in Queensland (SLSQ) began in 1908, when an old line and belt was brought to Tweed Heads by Sydney dentist Harold Bennett for the purpose of forming a lifesaving club. Not long after, the first qualified surf lifesavers practised at Greenmount Beach.
On February 21, 1909, the first recorded rescue using a lifesaving reel was performed in surf off Greenmount. Lifesavers rescued four young women and a young man, who had been swept away by a rip.
SLSQ was formally established in 1930 and is the governing body for surf lifesaving in Queensland. From these very humble beginnings, SLSQ has now achieved world recognition for the outstanding courage and service of its members.
2021
SLSQ invests in world-first hi-tech drone rescue enterprise: Ripper Corp
2020
SLSA celebrates 40 Years of Women in Lifesaving and 90 years of Surf Life Saving Queensland
2016
The Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter Service Queensland celebrates its 40th anniversary.
2015
Burleigh Heads Mowbray Park's Kristy Mitchell raises a record $232,832 as Summer Surf Girl entrant.
2011
Volunteer surf lifesavers assist during the Brisbane Floods.
2010
SLSQ secures funding to operate a second helicopter service in South-East Queensland.
2009
Centenary Celebrations, re-enactment of first recorded rescue on a Queensland beach (Greenmount Beach).
2007
National Year of the Lifesaver, 100 years of surf life saving in Australia.
1991
Edie Rowe (nee Kieft) issued her Bronze Medallion, 68 years after completing the examination requirements.
1986
Females are now welcome in surf lifesaving clubs as active female members.
1980
Women are welcomed to train at surf life saving clubs and can complete their bronze medallion.
1976
Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter starts in Queensland.
1968
Nippers Program launched
1965
Kurrawa's Joy Chambers is the inaugural Surf Girl winner.
1960
Expired air resuscitation, otherwise known as 'mouth to mouth', is adopted by surf lifesaving.
1939
Red and yellow caps are introduced.
1935
Surf Life Saving Queensland introduces the red and yellow flags.
1930
Surf Life Saving Queensland is formed.
1923
Miss Edie Kieft qualified for the Bronze Medallion through Tweed Heads and Coolangatta but did not receive a medallion because she was female.
1916
First Queensland surf carnival at Greenmount.
1911
First Queensland surf life saving club, Tweed Heads and Coolangatta, was formed.
1910
Bronze Medallion award was introduced.
1909
First recorded rescue in Queensland at Tweed Head and Coolangatta.
1908
Line and belt brought to Tweed Heads by Sydney dentist Harold Bennett.
1907
Surf Life Saving Australia was formed.
1903
Laws are changed to allow daylight bathing.
1902
William Gocher forms first lifesaving patrol at Manly Beach.