Men and women could only 'bathe' in the early morning and late evening, and never at the same time!

Australia’s first official surf life saving club - the first in the world - was founded at Bondi Beach, in Sydney, in 1906. There was little need for surf life saving clubs much before this time as it was illegal to swim in the surf during daylight hours before 1902. It was seen as immoral, and men and women could only 'bathe' in the early morning and late evening, and never at the same time!

In September 1902 at Manly Beach, William Gocher openly defied the law and entered the water at midday. Despite being arrested, no charges were laid. From then on, the sport of ‘surf bathing’ quickly grew. As the sport became more popular, the dangers of the surf became apparent. It was then that groups of experienced surfers began to establish surf life saving clubs to help protect the less proficient swimmers from the dangers of the ocean.

You may enjoy reading: Coxswain this time was some cool dude. 

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