Mermaid A. E. M. E. SLSC
This unique club embodies two of Australia’s most instantly recognisable icons, the Digger and the surf life saver.
The reference to A. E. M. E. in this club’s name acknowledges those responsible for its beginning, the soldiers of the Watercraft Workshops, Australian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, Bulimba, Brisbane.
During the latter half of 1945 soldiers from this unit established a surf life saving club on the Gold Coast, eventually building a clubhouse out of scrounged material on the beach front at Ocean Street. From its humble beginnings the club has grown to a position of respect in the Surf Life Saving movement.
The club’s current building was opened in 1973, later adding a supporters association, and public restaurant and bar facilities in the club building. Four renovations of the club building have been completed since its construction and the Mermaid Beach A. E. M. E. Supporters Club boasts some of the best surf club facilities, food and service on the Gold Coast.
Mermaid Beach
The area drew its name from the cutter ship the Mermaid, which was used by explorer John Oxley to chart the Tweed, Gold Coast, and Moreton Bay areas in 1823.
Mermaid Beach runs for 2km from the end of the Kurrawa reserve. The Mermaid Beach Surf Life Saving Club is located on the other side of the road from the beach and is fronted by a large car park and a 200m grassy beach reserve, where the lifesavers maintain a watch tower.
Part of the 16km main stretch of Gold Coast beachfront, rips are ever-present along this stretch of Gold Coast beachfront. Swimmers should beware of deep rip channels that may run out from the shoreline. Swim only in patrolled areas and avoid the rip holes and outer trough. Stay close inshore and on the attached portion of the bar.
This stretch of beach offers a huge range of accommodation, attractions and facilities, together with the surf lifesaving clubs and lifeguard towers, as well as 16 km of beautiful beach and surf. However the surf is hazardous, so be careful as to when and where you swim.
Location
172 Hedges Ave,
Mermaid Beach, QLD, 4218