Club History

South Narrabeen Surf Lifesaving Club was officially opened at 3pm on the 15th of December, 1923.

The Club was formed by Archie McLean, Allen McLean and Norman Cox, all former members of North Narrabeen.  

There were surf sheds at Devitt St, Narrabeen and after initial deliberations, this was ruled out. A Committee was formed under the leadership of E Cox and the Progress Association was approached for assistance. Mr Ike Larkin, President of the Association assisted with the development of the Club. Some land with a small hall was donated to the Club. The hall was sold and a new Clubhouse erected. Patrols commenced in 1922.  

The initial decision to name the club Narrabeen was rejected in favour of South Narrabeen.

      

 The Club has made some notable rescues and performed well in competition since its foundation.
 
Notable Rescues
 
1907     D McLean received the Bronze Medallion/certificate for the rescue of T P Johnstone
 
1923     Letter of commendation from W Lloyd National Humane Society for rescue of L Smith
 
1946     Arthur Le Clerc and Robert Le Clerc Bronze medallion and Certificate for prompt and efficient rescue work at South Narrabeen beach on 4 December 1946
 
1969     Clubmember Paul Jackman died endeavouring to rescue two surfers just north of South Narrabeen.
 

On Saturday 15 February 1969 Paul Jackman was drowned on an unpatrolled section of beach between South Narrabeen and Narrabeen, on Sydney's northern beaches. On that day there was a big sea running with large clusters of kelp strewn widely throughout the surf. Before the Saturday patrol commenced Patrol Captain Rick Smee decided that the beach would not be opened for swimming. In those days the red and yellow flags were crossed to signify 'Beach Closed'. This was the situation when a message was received that two swimmers were in difficulties about 300 metres north of SNSLC clubhouse and approximately 200 metres out beyond the break.
 
Members in the vicinity grabbed a reel and ran to the point opposite where the swimmers were in difficulty. Bruce Jones and James Brownhill attempted to swim out (minus belt) but were beaten back by the heavy surf. Graham True then took the belt and attempted to reach the two swimmers struggling beyond where the waves were dumping, but he also couldn't get past the break which was extensive, powerful and very rough. Jackman and Brownhill went to True's aid. By now large amounts of kelp were washing in, fouling the line and hampering rescue efforts. The belt was retrieved, the line cleared and Smee took the belt and attempted to swim through the break. A substantial quantity of heavy kelp had now entangled the line and Smee was pulled backwards down the face of a wave (estimated 9-10feet). Smashed by the breaking wave and dragged along the bottom underwater Smee tried to pull the safety-pin but found it jammed. While being pulled along the bottom he managed to remove the neck-strap and slide the belt down over his feet, eventually making his way to the surface.
 
Exhausted, Smee then made his way back toward the beach while Graham True entered the water to come to his aid. About this time the belt was retrieved and more kelp removed from the line. Those on the beach still did not realise that the safety-pin was jammed and therefore inoperable! Paul Jackman then donned the belt and entered the water about 30 metres north of Smee's position, when he came abreast of him, Smee called out to him “Go back!” Jackman stopped swimming, looked at Smee, then continued swimming out towards where the two were in trouble beyond the break.
 
Graham True reached Smee about thirty yards from shore and assisted him back to the beach. By now Jackman was lost to sight. The belt was pulled in covered with kelp, with an unconscious Paul Jackman still trapped in it. Mouth to mouth resuscitation and cardiac massage were applied simultaneously until an ambulance arrived. Later that afternoon the club was advised that Paul had died on the way to Mona Vale Hospital.


Notable Officials/Competitors
 
Many South Narrabeen members have made contributions to the development of surf life saving at club level, in competition and in the broader administration.
 
Fred Bertram      MBE President 21 years Bertram later was instrumental in founding Narrabeen surf club

John Clarke         Australian Junior Beach Sprint Champion 1951-52

Peter Clarke        Captain Manly Warringah Branch Team to South Africa 1965 Jeff Champion     Australian Junior Beach Sprint Champion 1981-82

Frank Collins      Australian Beach Sprint Champion and Rugby League winger for North Sydney Rugby     League Team 1935-36, 1936-37

Alan Fidler          R&R Champion

Charles O’Reilly  President 11 years

Max Whitehead  R&R Championship and Belt Swimmer, 1st Captain of Manly Warringah Rugby League Team

 
F Collins, M Whitehead, A Fidler, A Carrier, R Beer, H Walkden, Australian Beach Champions 1945-46
 

        

Other notable contributions;

Tony Haven        Current President Surf Life Saving New South Wales
                           President Sydney Northern Beaches Branch 9 years

Gordon Davies    Australian Official and Club Secretary

Terry Pailthorpe Member 1939 +, Competition Official