Learning to Save Lives

The clubs developed new techniques for saving people from drowning in the surf (the waves). At first they tried joining hands to form a "living chain" in order to save a drowning person, but this was not very successful, especially in strong surf. Later, they used a "reel" - a lifesaver belted a rope around his waist and swam out to a person in difficulties Other lifesavers would then pull them in to shore.

Boats were used on some beaches, but they were very difficult to use in rough seas.

Lifesavers put up flags to show the safest part of the beach for swimming and soon all Australian children learned to "swim between the flags".