our
history

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.

Over 100 Years of Saving lives

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.