Though Southport Surf Life Saving Club was founded in 1924, its story extends further into the past. As early as 1913. volunteer lifesavers served at Main Beach. A small group of locals formed the first patrolling squad. Their initiative was largely in response to a 1912 drowning disaster at Main Beach, which took the lives of three young men. This patrolling group served for several years before disbanding. In 1920, another well-intentioned but short-lived life saving club was formed. By 1924 a substantial bridge connecting Southport to Main Beach was completed - it provided easy beach access to locals and visitors. The guarantee of increased bathers and the lack of lifesavers was an ominous prospect. So, on the night of the 15th December 1924, a group of Southport gentlemen decided to form the Southport Surf Life Saving Club.