Congratulations Gunnamatta Surf Life Saving Club on 60 years of service
Gunnamatta SLSC operates at one of Victoria’s most active rescue beaches and the club's legacy is powered by community drive and a true lifesaving spirit. As the club celebrates 60 years of service, we honour the generations of volunteers who answered the call and continue to turn up, season after season, helping keep locals and visitors safe at this iconic stretch of coastline.
Established in December 1966, Gunnamatta SLSC was born from community concern and determination. Before patrols began, access to the beach was limited and rescues were difficult. Lifesavers from neighbouring clubs often travelled in just to help when conditions turned dangerous. The need was clear, and Gunnamatta answered the call.
From its humble beginnings in a six-car tin shed on the sand dunes, the club has grown into a vital part of beach safety on the Bass Strait coast between Portsea and Cape Schanck. Over six decades, Gunnamatta lifesavers have performed more than 5,000 rescues along with countless preventative actions that keep visitors safe.
In the summer of 2022-23, lifesavers performed more rescues at Gunnamatta than any other beach in Victoria.
Through changing conditions, evolving rescue equipment and generations of volunteers, Gunnamatta’s commitment to vigilance, service and surf safety has never wavered. The club continues to support patrol operations, provide training and education, and foster a strong, family-friendly environment for its members, from nippers through to seasoned lifesavers.
We thank every past and present member who has contributed to this remarkable legacy. Your dedication has made one of Victoria’s most popular beaches safer for generations.
Here’s to 60 years and many more to come.