Bondi lifesavers

Extract from Beautiful Bondi (1926). 8966, National Film and Sound Archive. This video has no sound

The first surf lifesaving club was founded at Bondi in February 1907. Several others were set up soon after. On 18 October 1907 these clubs formed the Surf Bathing Association of New South Wales. Surf lifesaving clubs soon spread around the country, and the surf lifesavers became an Australian icon. Since 1907 it is estimated they have rescued more than 630,000 people.

This footage was taken in the 1920s. Scenes include: Waverley Oval and Park; a view of Bondi beach from the southern end of the beach; a large crowd enjoying the surf and sitting and playing on Bondi beach; and a surf rescue demonstration.

Activities

1. What does this short film clip show? Summarise what you see.

2. Does the film appear to have a main purpose or message? If so, what do you think it is?

3. Who made the film clip and when was it made? Use this information to try to work out why the film was made. Does this change what you think about the purpose of the film?