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Supporter Stories

Surf Life Saving has touched the lives of millions of people over its 100 year history. Each year, tens of thousands of lives are saved from tragic drowning incidents. But it’s not only the lives that are saved each year that earn our volunteer lifesavers the respect from Australians. The Surf Life Saving patrols have given Australians and fellow tourists a chance to spend many happy holidays relaxing with the knowledge that our highly trained surf lifesavers are close by. Australian beaches have always been a special part of people’s lives.

Over the years, many supporters of the Surf Life Saving Foundation have sent us stories about how surf lifesavers have saved their lives or those of friends and family or Surf Life Saving has simply kept them safe and made their time at the beach a special time they never forget.

Whether it is a childhood memory or recent experience, please tell us your story or send us a thank you message to our surf lifesavers and we may include it on this page.

Read supporters' stories:


Rescue Stories	Childhood Memories	Thank you messages

Thank you messages

I have been a financial supporter of the volunteer work of surf lifesavers in Australia since 2003, although I have reaped the benefits for their beach protection for over 50 years.

Surf lifesavers are the backbone of the Australian beach and surfing lifestyle and culture. We are the most fortunate country in the world to have their dedicated efforts available to us as we enjoy our free beach and swimming zones in the most beautiful of places - Australia.

Thank you to every individual surf lifesaver. Your courage and rescue activities are irreplaceable, keeping swimmers safe, patrolling our beaches and maintaining a lifestyle that is unique to Australia.
D. Baker

Dear brave, caring boys, girls and "little nippers"

The sea can be such a scary place but when I see the red and yellow flags, I trust the waves and breath easy because our "sea warriors" are guarding us.

Knowing your hearts are in the right place, for, without being paid you are are doing it all out of your love of the deed. You are truly "Knights of the Sea".

With true gratitude and love

J. Read

My husband David and I are seniors, and since our retirement ten years ago have spent every Winter touring in our caravan, much of it at the beach, of course. We have always swum between the flags, and have been very grateful for the protection and care of your gallant young crews, and we have watched in admiration the daily training and the rigorous discipline - not forgetting the fun too - of the up and coming lifesavers. You are doing a great job.
Nancy and David Hanson

I support Surf Life Saving as I was a lifesaver when I was younger and I know how much these donations help the Foundation.
Kurt

We can all do what we love to do when we go to the beach with confidence knowing someone is constantly looking out for our safety. Much appreciated. ..
Carmel Cox

I support Surf Life Saving as it provides an essential community service that enables Australians to enjoy a beachside lifestyle.
Geoffrey King

Our appreciation goes out to the Ulverstone Surf Life Saving Club for the Saturday of the Australia Day long weekend. For us to be able to chill out on the beach and not worry about the 'ankle biters' near the water was great.

I'm sure many other people at other patrolled beaches around the State could only say the same thing. These Clubs all around Australia are true icons of OZ. For we've come to know and are assured that "between the flags" the beach couldn't be safer.

Robert Lee