Point Lookout Surf Lifesaving Club Inc

Point Lookout Surf Lifesaving Club Inc is a nonprofit volunteer organization dedicated to providing surf lifesaving services to the community and visitors of North Stradbroke Island, Queensland, Australia. Established in 1947 with ten foundation members, the club has a long-standing tradition of promoting water safety, lifesaving skills, and community engagement along some of the island's most popular beaches.

Location and Patrols

The club is uniquely situated on a rocky headland at the north-eastern tip of North Stradbroke Island, giving it strategic access to patrol three beaches: Main Beach, Cylinder Beach, and Point Lookout Beach. It is the only Queensland surf lifesaving club that patrols two beaches, offering vital safety services in an area known for its strong surf and potential hazards for swimmers.

Services and Activities

Point Lookout Surf Lifesaving Club operates a patrolling season from the first weekend in the September school holidays through to the long weekend in May. During this period, trained volunteer patrol members perform rescues, provide first aid, and take preventative actions to ensure the safety of beachgoers. In the most recent season, the club conducted 20 rescues, 11,855 preventative actions, and attended to 1,025 first aid cases across Main and Cylinder Beaches.

The club emphasizes family involvement and youth development through its strong Junior Activities ("Nippers") program. This program teaches children surf awareness, lifesaving techniques, and essential resuscitation skills, thereby fostering the next generation of lifesavers.

Facilities and Membership

The club facilities include a traditional bunkroom that offers weekend accommodation to members, a rarity among Queensland surf clubs. Meals are provided to patrolling members during their shifts at a cost, including breakfast and dinner on weekends. The club also hosts "The Point Bar," open on weekends and during holiday periods, featuring scenic views of Main Beach and the headland.

Membership is inclusive, welcoming new members year-round, with a formal sign-on day typically held in late August. The club is strongly supported by fundraising activities and sponsorships, as it does not generate income from bistros or poker machines. Funds raised go towards maintaining and upgrading lifesaving equipment, training, and clubhouse facilities.

Community Role and Funding

As a nonprofit entity, Point Lookout Surf Lifesaving Club depends heavily on public donations, government assistance, and corporate sponsorship to sustain its lifesaving operations and community programs. The club is recognized for its vital role in enhancing beach safety on North Stradbroke Island and is a central part of the local community's maritime culture and safety infrastructure.

Point Lookout Surf Lifesaving Club Inc embodies a family-oriented spirit and a commitment to volunteerism, providing essential lifesaving services and community education on one of Queensland’s most scenic and challenging coastal environments.

[1] https://www.pointlookoutslsc.com.au [2] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/1e262372-39af-e811-a961-000d3ad24182 [3] https://www.instagram.com/pointslsc/ [4] https://stradbrokeisland.com/point-lookout-surf-life/ [5] https://lifesaving.com.au/clubs-and-beaches/point-lookout-beach