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.

Fingal Beach SLSC members and clubhouse
61
Years of Service
Protecting the beach since 1964
546+
Active Members
Across all age groups and roles
13
Clubs in Hunter Branch
Part of the SLSNSW family

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 β†’

Timeline

1964

Club Founded

Fingal Beach SLSC established on August 23rd

1980s

Clubhouse Built

Modern facilities established

2000s

Major Growth

Membership expands to 500+ active members

2025

New Strategic Plan

'One Club, One Future' 2025-2030

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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.

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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

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Integrity

Demonstrate a commitment to socially responsible community service, upholding the highest standards of ethical behaviour.

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Safety

Provide a safe aquatic environment for the public at Fingal Beach and ensure the wellbeing of our members.

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Education

Promote excellence through development and education programs that foster a safer aquatic environment.

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Respect

Respond to the needs of our community and members with empathy, fairness, and professionalism.

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Unity

Instil a culture of inclusiveness, responsibility, and equity to promote our spirit of 'One Club.'

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Family

Foster a welcoming, friendly atmosphere that encourages participation, enjoyment, and lifelong connections.

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Diversity

Build an inclusive club through structural support, education, and mentoring.

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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 2025–2030.

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

Surf Life Saving Australia

National governing body

Surf Life Saving NSW

Surf Life Saving NSW

State association

Hunter Branch

Hunter Branch

1 of 13 clubs in the region

Port Stephens Council

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

Role: Promotes competitive surf sports

Email: sports@fingalbeachslsc.org.au

Term: 2024-2026

Maddison Bradley

Director of Junior Services

Role: Leads Nipper programs and youth engagement

Email: juniors@fingalbeachslsc.org.au

Term: 2024-2026

Location & Clubhouse

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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

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Find Us

View on Google Maps β†’

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