Surf Life Saving

Surf Life Saving is a unique not-for-profit community organisation that exists through community donations, fundraising, corporate sponsorship and government grants. Since Surf Life Saving was established in 1907, over 630,000 people around Australia have been rescued by Surf Lifesavers.

How It All Began

Australia’s first volunteer Surf Life Saving clubs began to emerge in 1907 on Sydney’s beaches.  Swimming in the surf had been rapidly increasing in popularity in the early 20th Century and in turn by-laws which had previously prevented bathing in daylight hours since the 1830s were gradually removed between 1902 and 1905, to reflect changing public attitudes.

These changes had a dramatic impact on local beach culture as the number of beach goers entering the surf suddenly increased. As many bathers couldn’t swim the number of drownings and attempted rescues also suddenly increased.

On October 18, 1907, representatives from Sydney Surf Life Saving Clubs, together with members of other interested groups, met to form the Surf Bathing Association of New South Wales, the organisation which is now known as Surf Life Saving Australia.

Our Mission

Surf Life Saving exists at Stockton Beach to save lives, create great Australians and build a better community.

Stockton SLSC is committed to being a valued part of the Community, to serve the surfing public of Stockton Beach and its surrounding areas by protecting life, preserving safety and preventing incidents by proactive and contemporary lifesaving practices through vigilance, service and continuous training.

Each year we set out with a number of goals and without doubt the most important one we strive to achieve; no lives lost between the flags.

This can only come about through the hard work, dedication and time that every volunteer member puts into patrolling the beach each year.

Youth Development

Stockton Surf Life Saving Club is committed to establishing and providing leadership pathways for our young members.

We recognise young people are the future of our club and lifesaving in general and Stockton aims to provide our younger generation with the opportunities to make friends and learn new skills in an enjoyable environment.

Youth Development programs not only recognises and rewards our youth participants for their commitment but also encourages them to set achievable goals in the on-going participation across a wide-range of surf lifesaving activities while promoting strong leadership skills, personal development and social interaction with their peers.

One such program Stockton provides in-conjunction with Hunter branch is the Youth Engagement Rookie Program.

Rookie Program

The Rookie Program was developed to provide a stepping stone for our 13 to 14 year old members with structured development programs.

Our young members become a First Year Rookie when they achieve their Surf Rescue Certificate at the age of 13 years (Under 14). On passing the assessment they attend a graduation and receive their Youth Program Passport, Patrol Shirt, Shorts, Red & Yellow 3/4 Cap and sunhat.

This all happens at our club and they are recognised by their peers.

It is hoped that our Under 14 members would then have a smooth transition to Seniors, whilst our club observes member retention and youth development.

This fantastic program aims to provide a smooth transition from Nippers to Senior lifesaving, gives them hands on beach & patrol experience, teaches them essential rescue and lifesaving skills in a fun environment & lifestyle and intends on `bridging the gap’ between Surf Rescue Certificate and Bronze Medallion award candidates.

The Rookie Program is focused solely on personal development, social get-togethers and lifesaving rather than competition.

Latest News

Upcoming Events