Sussex Inlet Surf Life Saving Club

The Sussex Inlet Surf Life Saving Club, also known as the Sussex Inlet and Districts Surf Life Saving Club, was established on May 10th, 1981 in Shoalhaven City Council. Alf Collier was elected as the club’s first President. Cudmirrah Beach, located in Sussex Inlet, was officially opened as a patrolled beach on December 20th, 1981. Before the construction of the current clubhouse, patrols operated from an old caravan and later a shipping container.

The existing clubhouse became fully operational in 1988.

Cudmirrah Beach stretches 3 km to the southwest, starting from the 60m high sandstone headland and rocks at Sussex Inlet and ending at the reef and sand salient on the north side of Swan Lake. The beach is characterised by active sand dunes, including several large blowouts that extend a few hundred metres inland and reach heights of 30m. The only car access to the beach is through the car park located behind the surf club, which is situated at the northern end. The tower of the clubhouse provides an excellent view of the beach.

The beach faces directly into the southeast swell and has an exposed surf zone. However, there is slight wave height reduction to the south in the lee of the reef, providing some protection.

The Sussex Inlet Surf Lifesaving Club has a number of objectives. Firstly, it aims to study and practise surf life-saving methods as taught by Surf Life Saving Australia. The club is dedicated to preventing loss of life by providing efficient beach patrols, rescue services, and life-saving apparatus. It also organises demonstrations and instructional classes.

Additionally, the club strives to improve surfing facilities and actively participates in surf life-saving competitions in accordance with the rules of Surf Life Saving Australia. The club also works to promote the physical and social welfare of its members and enforces the observation of its rules and by-laws.

In addition to its primary objectives, the club provides a range of other services. It offers advice on the latest beach and coastal safety standards and procedures as defined by Surf Life Saving Australia. The club also advocates for facilities and infrastructure at local beaches to benefit the community and patrons. It organises annual state-wide open day clean up events, separate from Clean Up Australia Day, as well as club championships and a family fun day.

The club also operates a canteen service on Sundays at a small cost and offers hall rental at competitive rates. As an effort to ensure the safety of its members, the club offers a basic resuscitation and water safety class free of charge for the parents of Nippers.

Overall, the Sussex Inlet Surf Life Saving Club is dedicated to promoting and practising surf life-saving techniques, ensuring the safety of beachgoers, and fostering a sense of community and camaraderie among its members.