The Bondi Surf BathersÍ Life Saving Club is officially recognised as the oldest surf lifesaving club in the world. It is an Australian icon and holds an indelible position in Australian history. The primary objective of surf lifesaving was _ and is _ to protect the bathers who frequent our beaches through manned patrols and associated services. The Bondi Surf BathersÍ Life Saving Club was established on the 21st February 1907 at the Royal Hotel Bondi Beach by a group of like-minded bathers. The club was responsible for introducing surf lifesaving to Australia and pioneered the famous surf reel and line. A notable early rescue was one of a young boy by the name of Charlie Smith who later went on to become the famous aviator Sir Charles Kingsford Smith. This rescue was carried out on January 2nd 1907, prior to the club being formed and not with the famous reel which wasnÍt invented yet.