100 Years since the first recorded rescue with a surf reel in Queensland

Continuing our series of blog stories on Queensland 100 years ago...

The first recorded rescue with a reel on a Queensland beach was on 21 February 1910 on Greenmount Beach.  This successful rescue subsequently strengthened community support for a surf life saving club to be formed.  The community banded together to purchase the first reel line and belt from Bondi Club in New South Wales.

  Life savers on Coolangatta Beach, 1920.  Image No: 202986

On 13 March 1911 the club became known as the Tweed Heads and Coolangatta Surf Life Saving Club.  The first clubhouse was opened six months later.

  Life savers on Coolangatta Beach, 1921.  Image No: 8535

  Tweed Heads & Coolangatta Surf Life Saving Club, 1934.  Image No: 109212

Now, a century later, life savers remain a strong presence on Greenmount Beach.