Surf Life Saving Queensland South Coast Branch Inc

Surf Life Saving Queensland South Coast Branch Inc (ABN: 86487243993RR0001) is a nonprofit community organisation dedicated to surf lifesaving and water safety along the South Coast region of Queensland, Australia. It operates as a branch of Surf Life Saving Queensland (SLSQ), the governing body for surf lifesaving in the state.

History

The South Coast Branch of Surf Life Saving Queensland was established in the summer of 1945-46. Its formation was prompted by the growing lifesaving activity in Queensland during the mid-20th century, alongside administrative disputes regarding branch boundaries in the 1930s and 1940s. In particular, a 1945 Committee of Inquiry dealing with boundary disputes recommended reducing the zone controlled by the Point Danger Branch, resulting in the northern boundary being fixed at Tallebudgera Creek and the creation of a new branch for clubs located north of the creek and Southport. This led to the official formation of the South Coast Branch to better organise and manage lifesaving clubs in the area[1].

Role and Activities

As part of Surf Life Saving Queensland, the South Coast Branch contributes to the broader mission of preventing drowning and enhancing water safety along the Queensland coastline. Surf Life Saving Queensland, originally established in 1930, is responsible for patrolling over 8,000 kilometres of coastline with a volunteer membership exceeding 36,000 surf lifesavers statewide. The South Coast Branch supports this effort through coordinated patrols, training programs, public education, and community engagement in its region[1][5].

Organisational Context

Surf Life Saving Queensland is part of the larger Surf Life Saving Australia organisation, which was founded in 1907 and promotes surf rescue services, water safety education, and community health initiatives nationally. SLSQ and its branches, including the South Coast Branch, operate primarily through volunteer members and have achieved international recognition for their lifesaving efforts. The organisation also incorporates innovative rescue technologies and services, such as drone rescue trials and helicopter rescue services[3][4].

This article summarizes the history, purpose, and organisational framework of the Surf Life Saving Queensland South Coast Branch Inc, reflecting its significant role within Queensland’s surf lifesaving community.

[1] https://slsqsouthcoast.com.au/history/ [2] https://slsqsouthcoast.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/SCB-History-50years.pdf [3] https://lifesaving.com.au/about/our-history [4] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surf_Life_Saving_Australia [5] https://lifesaving.com.au/about/who-we-are