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About The Lakes Surf Life Saving Club
About The Lakes Surf Life Saving Club
Welcome to The Lakes Surf Life Saving Club! Situated on the northern end of the Central Coast at Lakes Beach, our club is a volunteer, non-profit organisation dedicated to keeping our local community and visitors safe in the water.
From patrolling our local shoreline and training the next generation of lifesavers through our Nippers program, to responding to regional coastal emergencies, our members are at the heart of coastal safety in our region.
Our History: Over 70 Years of Community & Resilience
Our History: Over 70 Years of Community & Resilience
The Lakes SLSC has a proud, hard-earned history built on determination, volunteer effort, and local spirit:
September 28, 1953 – The Early Days: A small group of locals met in the motor cabins at Budgewoi and resolved to form a surf club. In those early days, dedicated patrol members walked with heavy reels and lifesaving equipment all the way from Budgewoi to the current beach site to complete arduous 8-hour patrols.
September 30, 1956 – Reform and Renewal: After briefly disbanding in June 1955 due to a shortage of patrol members, the club officially reformed on September 30, 1956, taking the official name The Lakes Surf Life Saving Club.
1960s – Creative Community Fundraising: During the 1960–61 season, members took a bold step to secure the club's financial future by purchasing the old picture theatre and land in Toukley, paying for it through community dances and local "Housie" (bingo) nights. In the 1967–68 season, the club built three retail shops on that land to generate long-term income.
1975–76 – A Permanent Home: After 23 years of relentless fundraising and volunteer work, the dream of a purpose-built clubhouse on Lakes Beach became a reality.
What Makes The Lakes SLSC Unique
What Makes The Lakes SLSC Unique
Beyond our daily beach patrols, The Lakes SLSC serves a vital role across the broader Central Coast coastline:
Northern Emergency Response Hub: The Lakes SLSC serves as the home base for Support Ski 1 (a specialized Rescue Water Craft / Jet Ski) operated in partnership with Surf Life Saving Central Coast (SLSCC). This crew patrols a massive stretch of coastline from Birdie Beach and the Munmorah State Conservation Area down to The Entrance.
Guarding 8 Kilometers of Coastline: Lakes Beach sits at the southern end of an uninterrupted 8 km stretch of sand reaching up to Wybung Head. Volunteer lifesavers and council lifeguards stationed at The Lakes perform roving patrols into these unpatrolled northern blackspots to safeguard remote swimmers.
A Natural Haven for Families: Protected to the south by Jewfish Point and offshore reef formations, wave energy at Lakes Beach is significantly reduced compared to open-ocean beaches further north. This natural shelter makes our beach one of the safest spots on the Central Coast for young children and Nippers.
Part of a 15-Club Network: Operating within the Surf Life Saving Central Coast (SLSCC) branch network—which dates back to 1938—our club works alongside 14 sister clubs where volunteers contribute nearly 100,000 patrol hours every season.
Modern Facilities & Equipment: Supported by NSW State Government grants and Central Coast Council, our clubhouse and gear sheds undergo regular modernisations to ensure our volunteers have state-of-the-art facilities and rescue equipment.
Keeping Our Lifesavers on the Beach
Keeping Our Lifesavers on the Beach
As a volunteer organisation, The Lakes SLSC relies entirely on community donations, corporate sponsorships, government grants, and local fundraising. Every dollar raised directly funds the vital equipment our lifesavers need to perform rescues and provide medical treatment.
Here is a quick look at what it takes to keep a volunteer equipped on the sand:
$30 – Refills an oxygen cylinder for resuscitation treatment.
$50 – Equips a lifesaver with a First Aid Patrol Pack (containing CPR masks, gloves, and medical supplies).
$60 – Provides an official red-and-yellow sun-safe patrol uniform.
$500 – Purchases a specialized spinal board for moving injured patients.
$1,000 – Buys a dedicated rescue radio for emergency dispatch communication.
Get Involved
Get Involved
Whether you want to join as an active patrol member, enroll your children in our Nippers programs, become a parent helper, or support the club through a donation, there is a place for everyone at The Lakes SLSC!
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