Organisers said the day was filled with fun, laughter and reminiscing.  

A march past in traditional costume was a poignant start to proceedings with old and new members symbolising a shared passion of lifesaving, which has not only survived, but thrived, over the decades. 

Many people including club members and the wider community participated in a carnival replicating the original surf carnival to mark the opening of the club 100 years ago. 

Wheelbarrow races, egg and spoon races and other “good old-fashioned fun” provided as much amusement for the adults as for the children. 

Another feature of the day was a special visit from the Westpac 3 rescue helicopter.

It made a magnificent spectacle hovering above an IRB and jet ski manoeuvring in the water. 

“It was an absolutely sensational day,” centenary organiser and club anchor, Frank Davey said. 

“The resuscitation display of the early days was great fun, with members showcasing their skill with the line and reel, surfboat rescues and modern day jet ski and IRB rescues,” he said. 

Meanwhile, club president Don Hay said the celebration dinner on Saturday night was a stellar success. 

“The Saturday night celebratory dinner surpassed expectations,” Hay said.

More than 160 guests came together to celebrate the history of the club and mark the occasion. 

Hay said guests shared the experience  which celebrated the historic and current incantation of the club. 

“There was a terrific merging of decades of surf lifesaving,” Hay said.

 “The people who hadn’t been back to the club for a long time got a great kick out of meeting the current members and were impressed to see the sorts of things the club is doing.”

In turn it was a great chance for newer members to hear past stories of fun, bravery and sporting prowess. 

“The pioneering spirit of earlier lifesavers was amazing,” current member Simone Shaw said. 

It wasn’t only past and present club members that helped to celebrate. 

A number of past and present politicians, including club patrons, Russ and Lesley Smith, Member for Bega, Andrew Constance and former member for Eden Monaro, Gary Nairn attended the event.  

In addition Surf Lifesaving representatives from branch and state levels were in attendance. 

“It was fantastic that we were so well supported,” Hay said.