Forster Surf Life Saving Club

Then and Now

Forster Surf Life Saving Club was first opened in January 1925. Originally a building on the beach. The Club was then inactive for a number of years and a new club was formed in 1944. The members built a club/boat shed on the beach which was completed in early 1946.

In 1953 another clubhouse was constructed on the eastern side of Pilot Hill. Built by Mr L G Perkins for £1,250. The Club was able to raise £600 by October 1951 and received permission to arrange a loan for the balance. The final £100 loan payment made in January 1958.

Heavy seas off Forster Main Beach sometimes expose an old wreck lying in front of the present clubhouse. This exposure causes a strong rip to form. Many people have been caught in the rip and swept out to sea, resulting in dramatic rescues by surf club members.

In January 1946 Forster SLSC purchased its first boat, a whale boat. However, when it was found that around 20 men were needed to lift the boat it was soon resolved to invest in a new surf boat. Over the years many new boats were obtained and used in training and rescue.

In the years between 1944 and 1994 over 700 rescues were credited to the brave and dedicated members of the Forster SLSC. There are many tales of daring rescues by day and night through enormous seas, where people were trapped outside or on the bar and were brought to safety by the Surf Club members.

The first stage of the club demolished in 2023 was opened 16th December 1967 with the second storey and balcony added later. The amenities block had been opened a year previously. The Club paid $2,600 for the extension of the promenade wall and the construction of a boat ramp. The Memorial Services Club donated $2,000 towards the project.

The current clubhouse was opened 4th October 2024 just in time for the Professionals 27th Weekend Of Surf.