Lifesavers & lifeguards

Lifesaving duties at the ocean baths have been carried out by volunteers from surf clubs, honorary baths inspectors and lifeguards paid by councils.

The roles can and do overlap. A man or woman may work as a paid lifeguard during the week and then volunteer as a lifesaver at the weekend. Councils can engage surf clubs to provide lifeguard services during the week.

Even before WWII, some councils would ask local surf clubs to nominate one or more of their members to act as paid lifesavers at the ocean beach and to take some responsibility for supervision of the ocean baths over the holiday season.

Honorary baths inspectors were usually chosen from names submitted to the council by the local swimming clubs and surf clubs.

Further Information

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