New Zealand - Surf Life Saving
- Crowds at Lyall Bay to view the Surf Life Saving competition.
- 12/2/1929
- Unknown Photographer
- Originally published in "The Auckland Weekly News"
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Surf Life Saving
- In the early years of the 20th century, the New Zealand Amateur Swimming Association (NZASA) controlled the limited amount of life saving activity by explaining resuscitation methods and providing demonstrations at swimming club carnivals. The next step occurred in 1912 when the Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS) was formed during a conference, called by Canterbury, of all the head centres. The RLSS was established in Christchurch and remains there to this day.
- The first surf clubs began in the years 1909-1910 leading off with: Castlecliff (Wanganui), Lyall Bay (Wellington), New Brighton (Christchurch) and Worser Bay Wellington.
- Soon after the clubs were formed, rivalries developed and this led to the formation of competitions between the clubs and regions. By early 1912 competitions were being organised by Wellington's Maranui Club, with male members competing in squads of 8. The competitions consisted of a land drill and 'reel test'. The first national champs where clubs were able to compete was held in 1922.
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