History

Surf Life Saving originated in Australia in the early 1900's with the growth of seaside towns and the interest in swimming. Surf Life Saving was then introduced into Great Britain in 1955 in Bude, St Agnes in Cornwall and Brighton in Sussex.

Clubs were formed in Wales during the mid 1960's at Aberavon, Atlantic College , Barry, St Johns , Llantwit Major, Pen-y-bont, Porthmawr& Rhoose. Commander Charles Thomson as the driving force, formed Surf Life Saving Association WALES in 1969.

About Surf Lifesaving

Surf Life Saving Association WALES is a not-for-profit Registered Charity organisation. Twenty-six voluntary lifeguard clubs currently affiliate to SLSA Wales from Jacksons Bay , Barry in the east to Aberystwyth in the west. Covering every Local Authority from the Vale of Glamorgan to
Ceredigion. The majority of our lifesavers complete patrols on the weekend and in their own free time. 2012 will see our first surf life saving club introduced to North Wales, at Rhosneigr on Anglesey

The primary aims & objectives are to save lives, to develop and improve National and International standards of life saving whilst co-operating with all organisations with similar aims. We also aim to provide the facilities for young people to participate in organised life saving.

Lifesaving Clubs

The Association governs surf
lifesaving clubs around the Welsh
coastline. Find information
about your local beach

“The association aims to develop and improve National and International standards of life saving
on the beaches of Wales, whilst co-operating with all organisations with similar aims.”

Peter Lake, MBE
SLSA Wales President

Charity No. 1048575