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Patrol cap
Patrol cap

Patrol cap

Date1950-1965
Object number00005936
NamePatrol cap
MediumCotton
DimensionsOverall: 83 x 220 x 180 mm
ClassificationsClothing and personal items
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Surf Life Saving Western Australia
DescriptionThis cap was worn by members of the North Beach Surf Life Saving Club at surf carnivals between 1950 and 1965. The club was part of the Royal Life Saving Society in Western Australia. The orange, black and maroon design shows the cap was used only in competition and not on patrol. All surf life saving patrols used the familiar and distinctive red and yellow cap in Australia from 1939. HistoryThe earliest surf carnivals, originally called gymkhanas, were held at Manly, Bondi and North Steyne in New South Wales in 1908 as fund raisers 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 and caps 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 is a rare example of a competition cap worn by members of the North Beach Surf Life Saving Club at surf carnivals between 1950 and 1965 in Western Australia.