‘Between the Flags’ reveals the 100-year history of Surf Life Saving Australia: the nation’s best-known and most successful volunteer movement. As the foundation for Australia’s which embraces millions each summer, the surf lifesaving movement – with its 300 plus clubs and more than 100 000 members – has always given beachgoers a sense of security as they enjoy the surf.

Since their appearance on a handful of Sydney beaches in the early 1900s, surf lifesavers have become a well-recognised part of Australia’s national identity. During the past century they have also been at the forefront of innovations in rescue and resuscitation technology, developed eye-catching forms of competition and, sometimes slowly, at other times rapidly, adapted to social change.

The historians who have contributed to ‘Between the Flags’ provide a refreshingly candid view of a national icon whose story was in danger of being obscured by myths and legends. This beautifully illustrated thematic history offers an objective view of an organisation that now deservedly enjoys iconic status in Australia. xvii, 262 p. : ill. (some col.), ports. ; 28 cm. #1220 ISBN 10: 0868408972 ISBN 13: 9780868408972