This discussion paper will identify how Surf Life Saving became part of Australia's cultural identity, through a contemporary and historical perspective. Surf Life Saving (2014) states that the surf lifesaving organization acts as the leading authority on water safety, drowning prevention and lifesaving in Australia, and has done so since 1907. Surf Life Saving (2014) states that the Surf Life Saving's philosophy is to create a safe aquatic environment for Australians. “Patrols, education, training, public safety campaigns, and health and fitness promotion” (Surf Life saving, 2014) are some of the mechanisms they use to bring this philosophy to life. Surf Life Saving is staffed by paid staff and volunteers, but the organization itself bills itself as a nonprofit. So they have strong community ties, as they rely on fundraising, community donations and corporate sponsorship. Community ties are strengthened because Surf Life Saving is a mass sport. Surf rescue is for all athletes, from Nippers to professional athletes, who compete in events such as the annual Kellogg's Nutri-Grain ironman series (Australian Institute of Sport, 2009). Surf lifesaving in Australia emerged out of necessity in 1907, after a change in attitude and social revolution that resulted in the abolition of a controversial regime that lasted until 1905 (Australian Government, 2008). This law prohibited people from “bathing” during the day, as it was considered an immoral act (Australian Government, 2008). O'Connell (2006) states that early morning and late afternoon were the only designated times for men and women to legally "bathe", although they could not do so together. It was in the middle of paper...... Surf Life saving in Australia. Australian Journal of Volunteering, Vol. 11, no. 1: [76]-79. Retrieved from http://search.informit.com.au.ezproxy.flinders.edu.au/documentSummary;dn=149342671847638;res=IELFSCPurdie and Craven. (2006). Young people's perceptions of what it means to be Australian. Retrieved from http://research.acer.edu.au/learning_processes/1Ramsland, J. (2011). A caste of gladiators envied by all men, adored by all women. The lifeline of surfing and the legendary iconography of New South Wales beaches. ISAA Journal: Journal of the Independent Scholars Association of Australia, April 2011, Vol.10(1), p.83(22) Cengage Learning, Inc. Surf life saving. (2014). Our story. Retrieved from http://sls.com.auWilks, J. and Atherton, T. (1994). Health and safety in Australian maritime tourism: a social, medical and legal assessment. Journal of Tourism Studies, 5(2), 2-16.