Our mission is to ensure the safety of beachgoers and water enthusiasts.
Our History
The Neptune Royal Lifesaving Club is a historic Australian organisation with a rich history in water safety and lifesaving. It was formed in 1928 as Neptune Ladies Life Saving and Swimming Club and initially focused on providing lifesaving instruction and acting as lifeguards at community pools. At the time, there were restrictions on women participating in surf lifesaving activities due to perceptions of physical limitations.
Despite these challenges, the Neptune Club persisted and made appearances at various lifesaving events, including surf carnivals and championships. They faced controversy in 1949 for staging a display on Tugun Beach without authorisation and criticising the Surf Life Saving Association's stance on female lifesavers.
In 1959, Neptune Ladies Life Saving Club began patrolling Tallebudgera Creek, a popular bathing spot. They eventually built a clubhouse in 1961, becoming the world's first all-female Life Saving Club to perform regular patrols and have its own permanent facility.
Members were dedicated, training regularly, performing patrol shifts, and working to raise funds for the club, including managing the cloakroom at a nearby nightclub, The Playroom. In 1980, the Australian Lifesaving Association (ALSA) began accepting women into its all-male lifesaving clubs, and Neptune subsequently reciprocated in later years. Neptune's members were among the first women to receive the surf bronze medallion. The club's clubhouse has undergone remodelling over the years and now includes dormitory-style accommodation, housing both female and male members.
Throughout its history, Neptune's members have conducted thousands of rescues and provided emergency first-aid treatments, contributing significantly to water safety and lifesaving efforts in Australia.
Focus areas
01 — Patrols
Neptune Royal Lifesaving Club patrols the beach of Tallebudgera Creek with their primary area of responsibility being between the bridge of the Gold Coast Highway through to the mouth of the creek. Patrols are conducted between 8am and 5pm weekends and public holidays from the September school holidays through to the first weekend of May.
02 — Education and Training
Neptune RLSC offers all members adequate training required to perform their duties on and off the beach. Nationally recognised training is provided through Royal Lifesaving Society Queensland (RTO:5431) covering CPR, First Aid and Bronze Medallion as well as non-accredited training for IRB activities and radio operations. Water Safety, swimming and rescue skills are also delivered to the general public during open days or special events. These programs can be particularly beneficial for children and young adults.
03 — Community Involvement
Neptune RLSC often plays an active role in the local community participating in events, fundraisers, and awareness campaigns related to water safety and drowning prevention. We’re active in the development of water safety strategies for the SEQ region, assisting Legacy each year in their fundraisers ensuring water safety at their events and vocal on issues affecting the Burleigh and Palm Beach Communities.
04 — Inclusivity
We are proud to be able to once again provide the free loan of Beach Wheelchairs, Wheelie Walkers and accessible matting everyday over the summer months. Available daily between September and April, and weekends through winter, these facilities aid those in need of additional support an extra opportunity to be able to enjoy the tranquil waters of Tallebudgera Creek. In conjunction with the construction of new accessible change facilities in the park situated directly beside our lifesaving club, behind the patrol arena, Tallebudgera Creek is a frontrunner in promoting accessibility and inclusiveness.
