Way back in 1906, in Australia, Voluntary Surf Life Saving was born. This was due to many drownings happening on beaches all over the world. Bronte was the first life saving club known to man. There is a dispute as Bondi Beach Surf Bathers Club claims to be the first one. It has since been established that Bondi was the first club officially and Bronte was in fact the original club.

Voluntary lifesavers volunteer their time to clubs in order to save the lives of bathers. Steps are taken to protect bathers, rescue those that get into trouble and resuscitate them if necessary. Lifesavers work under the command of a patrol captain.

Volunteers must complete and pass an annual life saving exam. They must also have a Surf Rescue Certificate or bronze medallion for life saving. These volunteers operate in groups and are busy on weekends, holidays and public holidays on public beaches around the world.

When on duty, volunteers wear yellow and red colored caps. When not busy with rescue work their attire will be long sleeve yellow shirts and shorts that are red. The long sleeves are for the purpose of sun protection. Rescue work requires clothing that enables them to the job of rescuing people. RWC (Rescue Water Craft) divers are clothed in wet suits. Officers on jet rescue boats and offshore rescue boats wear tabards that are highly visible. This is in order to be seen by other colleagues they collaborate with at rescue missions of a serious nature. Lifesaver helicopter crew will don aviation clothing and equipment.

The clubs also have another cap with different colors. This cap is for when clubs partake in the often held inter club competitions. These competitions keep the lifeguards in tip top shape for what they do best – saving lives.

Voluntary Surf Life Saving is a rewarding experience for many. A highlight is often the Surf League competitions that take place in some countries.

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