Surf Life Saving originated in Australia in the early 1900s, when the growth of seaside towns and interest in swimming led to a number of drownings. Patrols were formed by local residents, living close by beaches with strong currents, alerting people to the dangers of the surf.
Polzeath Surf Life Saving Club was formed in 1989 and for most of that time existed in a dishevelled portakabin on the back of Polzeath Beach, on the site of the current clubhouse. Although lacking facilities the club went from strength to strength both in lifesaving competitions and in its essential role of training lifesavers and helping to save lives. Most of the lifeguards patrolling the Polzeath beach have come through the club’s ranks. There are also former and current club members patrolling beaches throughout Cornwall.
