History right|thumb|1908 photograph of Redhead Surf Lifesaving Club. Surf lifesaving originated in Australia in 1907 in response to drownings at local beaches in Sydney. Such groups became necessary following the relaxing of laws prohibiting daylight bathing on Australian beaches."Surf Life Saving - Stories from Australia's Culture and Recreation Portal" . [Online], Commonwealth Government of Australia, 2006. Volunteer groups of men were trained in life saving methods and patrolled the beaches as lifesavers looking after public safety.
History right|thumb|1908 photograph of Redhead Surf Lifesaving Club. Surf lifesaving originated in Australia in 1907 in response to drownings at local beaches in Sydney Such groups became necessary following the relaxing of laws prohibiting daylight bathing on Australian beaches."Surf Life Saving - Stories from Australia's Culture and Recreation Portal" . [Online], Commonwealth Government of Australia, 2006. Volunteer groups of men were trained in life saving methods and patrolled the beaches as lifesavers looking after public safety.