HISTORY
Surf Lifesaving in Hawkes Bay, as we know it, began in the year 1910 on the Napier Foreshore ( Marine Parade ) directly in front of the Napier Municipal Baths ( now the Ocean Spa complex ).
The Napier Swimming and Lifesaving Club was amongst the earliest Surf Lifesaving Clubs active in New Zealand. By 1916 World War I intervened and surf lifesaving went into recess. It was not until 1926 that the surf lifesaving movement in Hawkes Bay flourished again, however, only for a short time. During the 1930’s surf lifesaving enjoyed another revival, however, once again war intervened and surf lifesaving in Hawkes Bay went into recess.
In the early 1950’s surf lifesaving was, once again, revived and Surf Lifesaving Clubs / patrols were formed at Waimarama Beach and again on the Napier foreshore by the Pacific Surf Lifesaving Club.
In
October, 1958 the new Surf Section of the Napier Swimming and Lifesaving
Club commenced patrols at Westshore Beach which, with improved access,
had become the preferred swimming beach for the Napier public. The members
of the new Surf Section wanted to “go it alone” and form a
new and independent Surf Lifesaving Club.
On the 28th October, 1959 the Westshore Surf Lifesaving Club was formed.
For the first few months the members used a tent which was put up and
taken down every Saturday and Sunday. During the season the Club acquired
a 5m x 3m shed which was to become the Club’s first Clubrooms.
The initial part of the two- storey clubrooms was built during 1962-63
and opened at the end of 1963.
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