OUR STORY & COMMITTEE
Protecting Fingal Beach since 1964
Fingal Beach Surf Life Saving Club has been serving our community for over 60 years. Discover our history, values, and vision for the future.
A Legacy of Community, Safety, and Excellence
Established August 23rd, 1964
Fingal Beach Surf Life Saving Club (FBSLSC) was born from a shared vision among residents who recognised the growing need for a patrolled beach. With Fingal Bay's population on the rise and an influx of tourists drawn to its pristine coastline, the community rallied to ensure beach safety and surf awareness were prioritised.
After thoughtful debate over whether Fingal Beach or Zenith Beach should be patrolled, Fingal Beach was chosen as the ideal location. Nestled off Marine Drive, Fingal Beach is a protected stretch of coastline, making it a safe and scenic destination for families, swimmers, and surfers alike.
Today, the beach is patrolled by both volunteer lifesavers and professional lifeguards, ensuring year-round safety for locals and visitors. Fingal Beach SLSC is proudly one of the 13 clubs under the Hunter Branch, affiliated with Surf Life Saving NSW and Surf Life Saving Australia.
Read Full History βTimeline
Club Founded
Fingal Beach SLSC established on August 23rd
Clubhouse Built
Modern facilities established
Major Growth
Membership expands to 500+ active members
New Strategic Plan
'One Club, One Future' 2025-2030
Our Vision
To deliver excellence in everything we do as one united club, continually enhancing our impact and bringing renewed energy and passion to every aspect of Surf Life Saving activity we undertake.
Our Mission
To strive to continue supporting zero preventable deaths on Fingal Beach and throughout the Fingal Bay area. We are committed to maintaining a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment across all areas of our club, empowering our members to grow and become their best selves throughout their Surf Life Saving journey.
Our Core Values
Eight principles that guide everything we do
Integrity
Demonstrate a commitment to socially responsible community service, upholding the highest standards of ethical behaviour.
Safety
Provide a safe aquatic environment for the public at Fingal Beach and ensure the wellbeing of our members.
Education
Promote excellence through development and education programs that foster a safer aquatic environment.
Respect
Respond to the needs of our community and members with empathy, fairness, and professionalism.
Unity
Instil a culture of inclusiveness, responsibility, and equity to promote our spirit of 'One Club.'
Family
Foster a welcoming, friendly atmosphere that encourages participation, enjoyment, and lifelong connections.
Diversity
Build an inclusive club through structural support, education, and mentoring.
Environmental Responsibility
Ensure all club decisions are made with an environmental lens, caring for our beaches and oceans.
Delivering 'One Club, One Future'
Seven priorities will guide our actions, investment and development to 2030 β deliberately aligned with the Surf Life Saving Australia Strategic Plan 2030 and the Surf Life Saving NSW plan, Strengthen and Consolidate 2025β2030.
Lifesaving Service Excellence
Keeping our patrols strong, our rescue capability ready and our beach safe β all season and year-round through the ECOT.
Making It Easier to Be a Lifesaver
Removing barriers to joining and training, with clear pathways from entry through to leadership.
There's a Place for Everyone
An inclusive, welcoming club for people of all backgrounds, abilities and ages.
Competition & Performance
Building talent pathways, quality coaching and team culture across all disciplines.
Community Impact & Visibility
Deepening our role through partnerships, outreach and beach-safety education.
Facilities & Capability
Fit-for-purpose, accessible and sustainable facilities β planned and funded for the future.
Governance, Leadership & Sustainability
Strong governance, leadership succession and lasting financial resilience.
Our Affiliations
Part of the broader surf lifesaving community
Surf Life Saving Australia
National governing body
Surf Life Saving NSW
State association
Hunter Branch
1 of 13 clubs in the region
Port Stephens Council
Local government partnership
Board of Directors
Our elected Board governs the Club as outlined in our Constitution. Directors serve two-year terms and are elected at the Annual General Meeting.
Adrian Futterleib
President
Role: Leads Board, represents Club at SLSNSW State Council
Email: president@fingalbeachslsc.org.au
Term: 2024-2026
Mike Bass
Director of Life Saving
Role: Leads patrol operations, ensures 20+ Patrol Members
Email: lifesaving@fingalbeachslsc.org.au
Term: 2024-2026
Andrew Dart
Director of Administration
Role: Oversees operations, records, and compliance
Email: admin@fingalbeachslsc.org.au
Term: 2024-2026
Lachlan Gorrie
Director of Finance
Role: Manages financial reporting and budgeting
Email: finance@fingalbeachslsc.org.au
Term: 2024-2026
Mark Lyons
Director of Club Services
Role: Oversees facilities and community outreach
Email: services@fingalbeachslsc.org.au
Term: 2024-2026
James Worrall
Director of Education
Role: Manages training, awards, and proficiencies
Email: education@fingalbeachslsc.org.au
Term: 2024-2026
Nyna Foster
Director of Surf Sports
Maddison Bradley
Director of Junior Services
Role: Leads Nipper programs and youth engagement
Email: juniors@fingalbeachslsc.org.au
Term: 2024-2026
Governance
Learn more about our governance structure, Director portfolios, and compliance framework β
Location & Clubhouse
Fingal Beach SLSC
Address: Marine Dr, Fingal Bay NSW 2315
Postal Address: PO Box 123, Fingal Bay NSW 2315
Clubhouse Hours: Weekends 9am-5pm during patrol season
Patrol Season: September to April
Facilities:
- First aid room
- Beach access ramp
- Parking available nearby
- Wheelchair accessible
Emergency Contacts:
Beach Emergency: 000 then notify patrol captain
SLS NSW State Operations Centre: (02) 9471 8000
Fingal Bay Police: (02) 4981 0299
Find Us
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Fingal Beach SLSC established?
Fingal Beach Surf Life Saving Club was established on August 23rd, 1964.
How many members does the club have?
We have over 500 active members across all age groups, from Nippers to Masters.
Where is Fingal Beach SLSC located?
We are located at Fingal Beach, off Marine Drive, Fingal Bay NSW 2315.
What is the Hunter Branch?
The Hunter Branch is one of the regional branches of Surf Life Saving NSW. We are proud to be one of 13 clubs in the Hunter Branch.
How can I get involved?
There are many ways to get involved - from becoming a patrol lifesaver to joining the committee, supporting Nippers, or volunteering at events. Start by visiting our Join page.
Be Part of Our Story
Join 500+ members in protecting our beach and building community.
Become a Member