Bilgola Surf Life Saving Club is hosting a free community Lifesaving Open Day at Bilgola Beach on Sunday 31 May from 12:30 to 3:30pm — and we want as many people there as possible.
This is a rare opportunity to get a real, behind-the-scenes look at surf lifesaving in action. Not a brochure. Not a sign-up table. A genuine, immersive showcase of what our volunteers do every weekend on this beach to keep our community safe in the water.
The afternoon will feature continuously running stations alongside timed live showcase events — think live IRB rescue scenarios, board and tube rescues, a full first aid and CPR showcase with special effects, a surf boats display, patrol walkthrough, meet the team, and a relaxed BBQ on the beach all afternoon. The whole thing rolls into Sunday Sippers at the clubhouse from 3:30pm.
Free entry. No registration required. Everyone welcome.
What’s on
🚤 Live IRB rescue demonstration
🏄 Board and tube rescue showcase
🩺 Hands-on CPR and first aid showcase
🚩 Patrol operations walkthrough
🚣 Surf boats display and crew on hand to chat
🤝 Meet the team
🍖 BBQ all afternoon
🍻 Sunday Sippers from 3:30pm
Who is this for?
This day is genuinely for everyone — and we mean that. Here’s who should definitely come:
Patrolling members One last proper Sunday at the beach before winter sets in. Bring a friend, a partner, someone from work… anyone who’s always been curious about what you actually do out there on patrol. This is the perfect day to show them firsthand. Stay for Sippers.
General members Whether you’re a social member, a nippers parent, or someone who joined years ago and drifted away from the lifesaving side… come and reconnect. See what the club is doing, meet new faces, and enjoy a great afternoon on the beach before the cold arrives.
People curious about surf lifesaving Never done a course but always wondered about it? This is the lowest-pressure way to find out what it involves. No commitment, no expectation… just come, watch, ask questions, and see how you feel. Our Bronze Medallion course kicks off in August for anyone aged 18 and over.
Young people aged 13 and over If you love the ocean, surf lifesaving might be exactly your thing. The Surf Rescue Certificate is open from age 13, and Bronze Medallion from 15. Come down with your family and see what it’s about in person… it’s worth a thousand conversations.
People interested in surf boats Surf boats is one of the most exciting and social sides of the club. The crew will be on the beach all afternoon to chat, answer questions and show you what’s involved. This is a great place to start that conversation.
Families who use this beach You don’t need any connection to the club to come. If your family spends time at Bilgola or the surrounding beaches, this day has something for you. Learn some basic CPR, watch a live rescue, grab a sausage — and leave knowing a little more about the people who watch over this water every weekend.
People who want to learn CPR Rock pools, beaches, backyard pools — emergencies don’t announce themselves. Our first aid and CPR showcase is hands-on and open to everyone. It’s one of the most valuable things you can do for yourself and the people around you, and it costs nothing to come and learn.
Anyone who just wants a great Sunday at the beach No agenda required. Come for the BBQ, stay for the action, finish the afternoon at Sunday Sippers (music and drinks inside at the bar). That’s a pretty good Sunday.
Register your interest
No registration required to attend — just show up. But if you’d like to let us know you’re coming and be the first to hear when our Bronze and SRC courses open for next season, register here:
Sunday 31 May · 12:30–3:30pm · Bilgola Beach · Free entry · All welcome
One beach. One club. One community.
