Australian surf life‐saving and the ‘forgotten members'∗

I am grateful to Brenda Cleave, Val Jarrott, Nessie Ogg, Mamie Bishop, Ian Scott, Andy Collins and Arthur Parkyn for their assistance with the research upon which this article is based and for the helpful comments of Sherry Saggers and two anonymous readers.

Abstract

The history and mythology of Australia's surf life‐saving movement portray the surf life‐saver as an inter and postwar national symbol, an image of manhood often regarded as the successor to that of the bushman and the digger. According to this viewpoint, women had no place on the beaches, being supportive fundraisers and social organisers. In fact, almost from surf life‐saving's commencement in 1906, many women refused to be confined to these roles; they participated in their own competitions, were proficient in rescue techniques and were proud to belong to the movement, thus contradicting the widely shared belief that their active involvement began only in 1980 when they were granted full membership.

Notes

I am grateful to Brenda Cleave, Val Jarrott, Nessie Ogg, Mamie Bishop, Ian Scott, Andy Collins and Arthur Parkyn for their assistance with the research upon which this article is based and for the helpful comments of Sherry Saggers and two anonymous readers.