North Steyne Surf Life Saving Club 14th Annual Grand Surf Carnival'
Printer
The Manly Daily
Date19 December 1925
Object number00016658
NamePoster
MediumLithograph
DimensionsOverall: 315 x 250 mm
ClassificationsPosters and postcards
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Aussie Bronze
DescriptionThis poster advertising the 14th Annual Grand Surf Carnival at North Steyne Surf Life Saving Club, was printed in 1925. xPromotional posters such as this typically included details of the event including its location, price of tickets and activities. The surf carnival involved 1200 competitors from 18 leading Surf Life Saving Clubs and marked the beginning of the seurf carnival season.HistoryIn the early 20th century bathing in the surf was still not permitted during daylight hours. The issue was one of public decency with no changing sheds provided on beaches and the perceived immodesty of swimming costumes. In October 1902 William Gocher, the editor of the Manly Daily, swam at midday after announcing his intentions in his paper. On the third occasion he was escorted from the water and interviewed by the police. During this time daylight bathing increased in popularity and in November 1903 the reluctant Manly Council reversed its decision and permitted all-day bathing.
As a result of the councils decision hundreds of people began flocking to the beach and locals began spending more time rescuing people from rough surf. The tragic death of three bathers in the surf at North Steyne in 1907 lead to a gathering of locals at the Central Methodist Hall in Belgrave Street, Manly. Over 230 locals, including 100 women, attended the meeting which established the foundations of the North Steyne Surf Bathers and Life Saving Club. It was agreed the club would meet every Sunday morning on the beach opposite Pine Street and agreed to perform voluntary patrols.
The earliest surf carnivals, originally called gymkhanas, were held at Manly, Bondi and North Steyne in New South Wales in 1908 as fundraisers for the Royal Life Saving Society. Surf Life Saving clubs formed around Australia from 1907 onwards, with carnivals held in the summer months as a way to test the skills of members and maintain their fitness for patrol and rescue work.
Carnivals usually opened with the ceremonial march-past parade of competing teams wearing swimsuits in club colours marching with military precision while carrying club pennants and surf reels. Carnival events included surf races, alarm reel (belt race), surf relay (surf teams), rescue and resuscitation, as well as novelty events such as tug-of-war, pillow fights, catching the greasy pig, chariot and sack races.SignificanceThis program represents the promotion of surf life saving carnivals in New South Wales in the 1920s. It records details of events and reflects the growing number of clubs competing.
