1925

The Henley Surf Lifesaving Club was founded following a meeting in the Henley Town Hall on the 1st October when a motion was put by Mr. Dan Dineen that the club is called "The Henley Lifesaving Club". This was to become the first lifesaving club in South Australia and Mr. H. Hannan was elected to be the first President and Dan Dineen the first Club Captain.

Control of Lifesaving in those days was with the Royal Lifesaving Society of SA and the clubroom was a small disused old concrete boat shed just North of the Henley jetty.

The official opening of the club and the clubrooms was conducted on the 21st November 1925 by the Chief Secretary the Hon. J. Jelley MLC.

1930

Mr. Cyril Chambers was presented with the Club's first Life Member's certificate and Malcolm Clode received a medal for meritorious performance.

The following is an extract from the Register News printed in February 1930.

"There is something almost God-like about the ability to restore life to someone who is apparently dead. Who would not envy the feelings of Malcolm Clode, the Henley lifesaver whom, having rescued a boy from the sea on Sunday was able, by means of artificial respiration, to bring him back to life. There was no miracle about it, but the effect of what Clode did was just as good as though a miracle had actually been performed. In other words, the boy would almost infallibly have died if there had been no one at hand to apply to him the proper means of resuscitation. In that sense, quite apart from the fact that he had already saved him from certain death in the water, Clode was able almost literally to give the boy back his life. This sort of thing is happening almost every day. It was Clod’s eleventh rescue, and a mere incident in the great work of life-saving; but cases like this ought to drive home the lesson that the ability to swim, and to save those that cannot swim is worth learning. There is nothing else so altogether worthwhile which it is easier and more pleasant to learn."

1937

It was following a holiday by Alan Banister in Sydney, where he was successfully examined for his Surf bronze, that an examiner was sent from Sydney to successfully examine 14 Henley club candidates for their bronze medallion. Those candidates were Bruce Christian, Gordon Elliot, Jim Fischer, Jim Doherty, Maurie Oliver, Lance Calnan, Keith Coulter, Jack Manning, "Punch" Matthews, Fred Hill, Beau Fuss, Alan Hallett, Ced Hele, and Jim Carpenter. Alan Banister gained his instructors certificate.

1938

The first record of the club competing in Surf, when an invitation was extended to the club by SLSA-A to send a team to the Australian Interstate and Interdominion Championships held at Manly and Bondi on February 19th and 26th of that year.

The following members were elected for the competition. Cedric Hele (Capt.), Alan Banister, Clive Calnan, Lance Calnan, Keith Coulter, Jim Doherty, Beau. Fuss, Gordon Elliot, Alan Hallett, Bob Lucy, Fred Hill, Alan McDonough, Don McGarry, and Ross Strang (Manager). Five more members gained their bronze medallion and another two their instructors certificate whilst in Sydney.

Prior to the trip to Sydney on January 22nd the Club christened the first surfboat to come to SA "A.W. Jolly" in honour of the club's Patron, a gentleman who had supported the club financially from its earlier days. This craft gave excellent service until she took an unauthorised, misguided trip through the jetty and was declared unseaworthy in 1946. It was sold to a fisherman for the equivalent of $2.10.

1939

The club had a set back resulting from an agreement between the Surf Life Saving Association of Australia and the Royal Lifesaving Society which denied the clubs affiliation with the SLSA-A and gave sole lifesaving administration in SA to the Royal Life Saving Society.

1941

Undaunted by this set back, in 1941 another 14 members obtained their bronze medallions and another two their instructor’s certificates following a trip to Sydney.

Due to World War II in the period 1939 to 1943 competition between clubs was suspended to allow members to volunteer for service. Thirty-eight of the club's active members enlisted in the fighting forces.

1944-1945

During this season the Henley Women's Lifesaving Club was formed and affiliated with the Royal Lifesaving Society

The Club's 25th Annual Report reported the purchase and christening of its second surfboat "A.W. Jolly II", the cost of which was just less than 290 pound ($580). Plans were also in hand to raise money to build a new two-storey clubroom.

1950-1951

A great achievement during this season saw the Henley club gain more awards than any other club in Australia.

1952

It followed that The SA State Centre was formed on 1st October 1952 and simultaneously the Royal Lifesaving Society relinquished control of all lifesaving clubs along the South Australian coastline.

In this same season, Frank Tucker, Laurie Bailey, Len Tucker and Clive Calnan become the first members to be selected in a "Surf" lifesaving state team to represent South Australia.

1953

1953 saw Tom Jennings selected to be South Australia's first representative in an Australian Instructional Team when he toured Hawaii.

That same year the building plans were put on hold as the donation of a 35ft. x 16ft. Nissen hut by the Henley & Grange Council was accepted and become the new home of the club during November 1953

1954-1955

This season celebrated 30 years of saving lives at Henley Beach and the following letter from the club's founder, Dan Dineen expresses his pride at the Surf Life Saving movement in SA.

‘On the 21st Nov. 1925, the official opening of the Henley Life Saving Club was conducted, and we had the pleasure of having the Chief Secretary, the late Hon. J. Jolly in attendance. Questions were asked about the efficiency of the members and the gathering was told that it was our aim to become as efficient as the Lifesavers of N.S.W.

Now 30 years later I am proud of, and thankful to see, a club affiliated with the Surf Life Saving Association of Australia, not only this, but for the State to have its own State Centre is more than the realisation of my dreams.

To the forming of the State Centre, and the affiliation of the club to the Surf Life Saving Ass. I wish to pay tribute to the work of the Henley Club and in particular to Messrs. C. Fielder and M. Butterfield. It was through their very great efforts that this State has been recognised by the National Council of the Surf Life Saving Association of Australia.’ 

The club moved its new home (the Nissen hut) from the northern side of the jetty to a position south of the swimming pool. This site did not last long and during the season the shed was demolished and the foundations were laid for the new clubrooms, which are still being used today.

1956

The Mayor of Henley & Grange, Mr. D.J. Newlands ESQ. JP opened the new clubrooms.on the 18th November 1956.

Len Tucker represented Australia at an international championship at Torquay, Victoria.

1957

Murray Garretty, representing Henley, won the Australian open Surf Race Championship at Bondi making him the first South Australian ever to win an Australian title.

1961

Tony Park was selected in the Australian team to visit New Zealand.

1962

Club Founder Dan Dineen passed away during the 1962/63 season having continued to be involved with the club since 1925.

1964

Henley won a silver medal in the Australian R & R competition in Collaroy coached by David Hemsley.

Members Merve Butterfield, Charles Fielder and Norm Tucker were appointed Life Members of the Surf Life Saving Association - SA State Centre

1965

Graham "Butch" Payze was selected in the Australian team to tour the United States of America and Phil Carter set a new record of patrolling the beach for 102 hours in a season.

The number of lives that had been saved since foundation stood at 630.

Henley 3rd in the Australian R & R blue ribbon event in Western Australia.

1966-1967

Barry Duhne was selected in the Australian team to tour New Zealand

1967-1968

Ten members were called up to do Military service in Vietnam, and sadly one of our members, Errol Noack became the first South Australian to be killed in action.

Hot showers and toilet facilities were built into the men's changing rooms.

1968-1969

During this season, a roof was built over the sun deck thus giving the members a recreation area above the change rooms. The "Top Room" was opened on 6th December 1969 and became the first licensed bar facility in any life saving club in Australia. John Davis was the first Top Room Manager.

1969-1970

Henley won the Open Boat title for the first time at the 1969/70 State Titles

1970-1971

A system of portable look out towers was used for patrolling at Henley and Laurie Bailey retires after 14 years as club Treasurer..

1971-1972

Henley wins the Wales patrol efficiency competition for the first time and David Hemsley is appointed a Life Member of the Surf Life Saving Association - SA State Centre.

1973-1974

Darryl Walker toured South Africa with the Australian Surf Life Saving Team.

Henley wins a new surf boat "Golden Jubilee"

Jim Doherty is appointed a Life Member of the Surf Life Saving Association - SA State Centre.

The club is presented with the original Ampol shield in recognition of having won this perpetual trophy for R & R competition on 20 consecutive seasons.

1974-1975

Club members have been patrolling the beach at Henley for fifty years.

During this time no life had been lost while members were on duty. 654 lives have been saved.

Lloyd Harvey retires as club President after seven years at the helm.

Henley wins the Wales patrol competition again. A three-wheeled motor cycle is donated to the club and Henley becomes the first club in the state to use mobile patrols.

1976-1977

Rodney Hill passes the 1000 personal patrol hour milestone and is chosen as the state's inaugural "Life Saver of the year".

1979

Female change rooms were finally built in the northwestern corner of the hall.

1980

Jan Duhne became the first female to gain her bronze Medallion.

1981

Major building extensions began on the northern end of the old clubrooms. The extensions, costing in excess of $160,000 encompassed a new boat shed, patrol and first aid room, gymnasium facilities and an open-air entertainment area. The gymnasium was dedicated to the memory of Bob Barnes.

1982

The official opening of the building extensions took place on the 11th December 1982.

1985

The club completed its 60th year of voluntary service and Jim Doherty reached the milestone of having given 50 years service to the club.

The death of Sir Adrian Curlewis was recorded during this same year after having served the Association for 62 years, 42 as the National President.

"Super Sid" donates the first IRB (Rubber Duckie) to the club.

Barry Duhne is appointed a Life Member of the Surf Life Saving Association SA State Centre.

1988-1989

The hall section of the clubrooms was declared unsafe and the Henley & Grange Council rejected any proposal for the club to repair or rebuild on the beachfront. Several sites were inspected but considered unsuitable for the Club's relocation.

The following season Sally Trodd is elected as the first female Club Captain and the Henley & Grange Council has put forward a relocation plan for the club to move to the Henley square area just north of the jetty.

Council reneged on the relocating plan during the following year and other options were being pursued as a matter of urgency.

1993-1994

The ‘Nippers’ are back training at Henley after a ten-year absence.

Bulldozers move in and demolish the hall section of the club.

1995

It was still to be another two years before news of a Government building grant bought to fruition the further building extensions, which were opened on the 22nd October 1995.

1995 was also the year that Jim Doherty celebrated 60 years of continuous service to the club.

1996-1997

At the 1996/97 State titles 15 year old Lindy Foureur wins the under 16, under 18 and open beach flags event.

The Junior section continues to expand.

Twelve months later and the Henley swimming pool are demolished and a rock wall is positioned in front of the clubrooms.

The family of one of the club's founding members donated funds, which allowed the upstairs kitchen to be fully equipped.

The Kitchen was dedicated to the memory of Cedric Hele, Life Member and Club Captain from 1928/29 to 1931/32, Vice Captain 1933/34 to 1934/35.

2000

The year 2000 bought with it the 75th Anniversary of the club and celebrations were planned for the weekend of 30th October. The main function was a dinner at the Woolshed at West beach which was attended by over 200 past and present members. The book "First to the Buoys" A history of the Henley.

The book "First to the Buoys" A history of the Henley Surf Lifesaving Club was also released on that occasion and is now available at $25.00 a copy

2000-2001

After the successful 75th year celebrations the club entered the new millennium with added vigour, under the leadership of new club captain, Bill Hoey. President Gary Kirwan had been transferred to Victoria and was replaced by Joe Bayer. Membership continued to grow as a result of the revitalised junior section and had reached 170 by season end. There were 17 new bronze medals awarded during the season.

1930 patrol hours were undertaken and there were two major rescues, 70 of a minor nature and 166 preventative actions taken by patrols on the beach. Trading in the Top Room reached an all time high due to Dave Hemsley's management and by having the room open 6 days a week Teresa Daveron was appointed a Life Member

2001-2002

The season saw the purchase and christening of the new surfboat, the "Fitzy" and also the purchase of three new skis to add to the craft fleet. The club was recognised during the season as the 2002 champion ski club of SA

Danny Hall undertook 131.25 hours of patrol duties. Life Memberships were bestowed on Lloyd Oaten, Gary Fazzalari and John Foody

2002-2003

Neville Fielder was appointed Club President and immediately he needed to tackle the on going problem of the location and future of the clubrooms. The City of Charles Sturt has suggested amalgamation of the clubs in the area and the removal of the current building,

Again the junior section continued to grow under the leadership of John Foody and his band of helpers and their efforts were shown in the success that they had at inter club competitions

Mike Finnis gained his Bronze Medallion, Level 1 Surf Coach award, Advanced Resuscitation Certificate, Training Officer - Bronze Medallion, Training Officer - Resuscitation, Examiner - Bronze Medallion, Examiner - Advanced Resuscitation, and the Senior First Aid Certificate. Had he not broken his leg during IRB training the day prior to the examination he would also have gained his IRB Drivers Certificate

Skye Davoren - Searcy was selected in the State Development team, and Kate Barclay was selected in the National Kayak Squad. David Fourier was appointed coach of the Australian Junior Kayak Team and Jason Burton was selected as the Junior Club Lifesaver of the Year.

The Dave "Happy" Hemsley surfboat was christened.