Between the Flags: 100 Years of Surf Life Saving in New Zealand

Between the Flags a 400-page hardback book, brings to life a century of tales, voices and memories of an organisation that has become an important part of New Zealand's history.

One hundred years ago, SLSNZ started out as a small organisation on suburban beaches in Christchurch and Wellington. Today it is one of the country's most honoured and respected volunteer organisations, saving the lives of thousands of beach-goers every year.

This beautiful coffee table book records the thousands of lives changed by Surf Life Saving. It is a story about ordinary Kiwis doing astonishing things in their spare time; seeing an upraised arm, hearing a cry for help and pulling a drowning person from the water. It records the drama, tragedy and triumph of saving lives on our shores, told in the voices of those involved.

Between the Flags was edited by former Mayor of Waitakere City, Bob Harvey, historian and award-winning author, who was captivated by Surf Life Saving as a 15-year-old boy when he came across a surf carnival at being held at Karekare Beach. With the help of Pam Ryan, Marilyn Moffatt, Dick Glover and Miri Young, Bob Harvey has compiled the words and memories of the men and women who came from ordinary lives to do extraordinary things.

Harvey says of the book, "This is remarkable story of dedication, courage and pride. This is a book of lives saved, innovations and remarkable characters -- it's not just about Surf Life Saving but of an important part of New Zealand's history.

"The lifeguards that patrol our beaches are now part of our national identity. This is their story, told in the words and photos of the characters and competitors that now make up this great history."

Gifted photographs, memorabilia, personal albums and diaries from SLSNZ's archives and the nation's libraries and museums make up the pages of the book. More than 5,000 photographs were gathered, stories researched and retold from the archives of pictures, cuttings, clippings and voices of those that were there.

Category:

People & Blogs

Tags:

• New Zealand
• Surf
• Life
• Saving
• Bondi
• Australia
• Bob Harvey