Surf Life Saving originated in Australia in the early 1900's with the growth of seaside towns and the interest in swimming.

Surf Life Saving was then introduced into Great Britain in 1955 in Bude, St Agnes in Cornwall and Brighton in Sussex .

Clubs were formed in Wales during the mid 1960's at Aberavon, Atlantic College , Barry, St Johns , Llantwit Major, Pen-y-bont, Porthmawr & Rhoose. Commander Charles Thomson as the driving force, formed Surf Life Saving Association WALES in 1969.