History of the Club

The West Beach Surf Life Saving Club was formed in 1956 by a number of local concerned residents with the assistance of a number of members from Henley Surf Life Saving Club. The clubs limited equipment was stored at Henley Sailing Club until the 'Tin Shed' was constructed adjacent to the toilets to the north of the clubs present location. The club's first Bronze Squad of Barry Presgrave, David Presgrave, Reg Hartshorne, Frank Porter, Dennis Conlin and John Kamprod was instructed by Max Gamlin. This squad was truly unique with 3 members, Barry, Dennis and Max receiving the Order of Australia Medal for services to the community. The club quickly expanded with numerous Bronze squads and competition flourished and by the 58/59 season West Beach was 3rd at the State Championships.

The 60/61 season saw the West Beach 'A' Boat Crew represent the state and by 61/61 the club won our first Australian Title with 2 Members, Neil Prime and Geoff Ellis, tying for the Gold Medal.

In 62/63 the club won the State Championships, the clubrooms were commenced and West Beach members dominated the State Team.

The club remained at the forefront of competition for a number of years and continued to provide a valuable community service to the expanding suburbs of West Beach and the very popular West Beach Caravan Park.

The club's competition waned for a number of years until females were able to gain their bronze Medallion. This sparked a new impetus in the club with West Beach having an all female R & R team competing at the Aussies in 1984. Judy Veigh then went on to win the Miss Surf Life Saving Australia title in 1985. The girls of the club also gained 3 National Titles in 1988,89 and 90 with Amanda Bird and Cher Hutton winning the First Aid Competition. West Beach also trained the club and states first female IRB Drivers Crew.

The Club has, over the last 5 years, seen a steady revival with the clubrooms extensively renovated, a strong growing junior division, hosting of the Carlton and United Interstate Team Championships and numerous carnivals and state events. The hosting of the the 1999 BP Australian IRB Rescue Championships is another step ensuring the continuing success of West Beach Surf Life Saving Club.

West Beach has been established for 50 years and is an active and patrolling club. Located due west of the city of Adelaide in South Australia, keeping watch over a 2 km stretch of coast from North Glenelg to the Torrens River Mouth. With the use of a patrol base in front of the clubrooms and roving patrols life savers can provide assistance to the public.

Although ensuring public safety along the beach is the clubs primary service, West Beach also competes at state and national levels. With competition being enjoyable and challenging, it provides surf lifesavers with essential training in lifesaving techniques and maintains necessary fitness levels.

Please visit the "Tinshedders" website for all the latest information.