The Club operated as the Port Fairy Swimming and Life Saving Club from about 1924. Members patrolled the Southern beach which is enclosed by a vast natural rock barrier out to sea, thus protecting swimmers from the force of the Southern seas. This club was affiliated with Royal Life Saving Australia. The Club was extremely active during the 1930s and competed in local and State Royal Lifesaving championships. However, between 1941 and 1946 it went into recess due to the war. When it became active again, the Eastern surf beach had become more popular, creating the need for regular patrols at this beach as well.