Our History
Scarboro Surf Life Saving Club, nestled along the picturesque coastline of Western Australia, boasts a rich history dating back to 1928. Originally named after the nearby suburb of Scarborough, the club's unique spelling—'Scarboro'—not only reflects the colloquial way locals pronounce the name but also pays homage to the original bus service that used the same spelling. This small distinction adds a touch of character to our beloved club, symbolising our deep-rooted connection to the community and the vibrant beach culture that defines us.
Scarboro Surf Life Saving Club forms
Scarboro Surf Life Saving Club was born out of a tragedy on our beach following the death of Kathleen Gornall and the five people that went to her aid in 1916. Just over 11 years later, the Scarborough and Districts Surf Lifesaving and Athletic Club was formed in January 1928. The word 'Athletic' was subsequently dropped in the 1929/30 season.
Shown here are the first clubrooms in 1930, after two extensions!
Official opening of the 'White House'
The White House, much-loved club headquarters and Scarborough landmark, was officially opened on 28 January 1934, replacing the original Clubhouse constructed by members. Whilst looking good, the White House boasted few luxuries and was replaced in the 1960's having been riddled with concrete cancer.
Scarborough Beach hosts the first of many Australian Championships
In 1951, the first Surf Life Saving Australian Championships, known colloqually as 'The Aussies' was held at Scarborough Beach. The Aussies have been held at Scarborough a total of 11 times, including 1951, 1958, 1965, 1987, 1991, 2007 - 2009, 2014, 2018 and 2023. Scarboro has played a huge part in assisting to organise these events through its workforce.
Scarboro Touring Team - 1960's style!
In 1961, Scarboro sent a team of nine members to compete at the Australian Surf Championships at Moana Beach in South Australia. Crammed into a Volkswagen Kombi Van, they travelled by road across the then unsealed Nullarbor Plain, sleeping overnight alongside the van. Accommodation was kindly provided by the Semaphore Surf Club.
Five members, Barry Powell, Ron Stoelwinder, Frank Elliott, Gary Papineau and Colin Sullivan competed in the Junior R&R. The other four members, Bob Audas, Murray Gorton, Phil Shepherd and Kevin Hooper competed in the Senior Beach Relay, winning a Bronze medal and providing Scarboro with one of it's first Australian Titles Medals!
Weekend of drama... 365 Rescues
Over the course the weekend of 12 - 13 October 1991, treacherous surf and unseasonally warm weather combined to provide hazardous conditions, with the Club's patrols performing 365 rescues. A truely hurculeon effort by those members involved to ensure there was no injury or loss of life .
This is not the only instance of mass rescues at Scarborough Beach. Of interest, over 450 people were rescued on Sunday, 16th October 2012 with incredible teamwork from Scarboro's patrolling member and the Wesfarmers Emergency Response Team.
New Club is finished!
In 2018, we marked our 90th anniversary and moved into our stunning new purpose built facilities as part of the Scarborough Foreshore Redevelopment.
Scarboro will turn 100!
In 2028, Scarboro Surf Life Saving Club will be celebrating 100 years of service on Scarborough Beach. The Club has appointed a Centenary Planning Committee and preparations are well underway to ensure that the Club, members and supporters can support this amazing milestone in style. Please get in contact with us if you would like information on how you can help with our 100 year celebrations!!!
