South Port SLSC

The South Port Surf Lifesaving Club (SLSC) was established in 1959 in the coastal Adelaide suburb of Port Noarlunga, South Australia, and it is currently situated in the sand dunes at the mouth of the Onkaparinga River Estuary. Due to its location at the mouth of a major South Australian river and its position in Gulf St Vincent, South Port is a renowned surfing beach for both board riders and body surfers.

The club's beginning
In 1958, following a meeting on the beach after a carnival between officials of Surf Life Saving Australia, Geoff Price, Frank Harris and Geoff Cornwell, approval was given to form a SLSC at South Port. Before this, members from Port Noarlunga SLSC had needed to run down to South Port with gear to perform rescues and, where required, carry a stretcher up the cliffs.

Geoff Cornwell argued the case for the formation of the club and the Surf Life Saving Association, under the presidency of Don Newlands, approved the new club. The new name for the club would be South Port Club. The fledgling club began patrols in February 1959.

S.L.S.A. of S.A. 7th Annual Report
The original club colours were registered in 1958 as navy blue, white and red. These colours were changed in that first season to the current navy, white and green.

In its first two seasons, and with a small membership, it was difficult to maintain patrols and to set up a new club and clubhouse. In season 1960/1961 Don Alexander and Graham Ellery joined the Club. and these new experienced senior members enabled the Club to become firmly established.

In 1960/61, a clubhouse was purchased for $194 and erected on a section of land that in 1958/1959 had been leased from the Department of Lands and the Port Noarlunga District Council.

Training
Surf lifesavers must be competent swimmers as well as experienced in rescue, resuscitation and first aid. This experience is gained during training and assessed with written and practical examinations. Upon completion, members are awarded the Nationally Accredited Certificate 2 in Public Safety (Aquatic Rescue) Bronze Medallion and become qualified to patrol a beach. Ongoing yearly proficiency must be demonstrated.

South Port has junior members, or Nippers as they are more commonly known. Nippers are aged between 5–13 years and learn beach safety and awareness skills in a fun and healthy environment.