Bathing Costume - Surf Life Saving South Australia

Details

ProvenanceThe first South Australian surf life saving club was established at Henley in 1925, and was initially affiliated with the Royal Life Saving Society. The emergence of more clubs along South Australian beaches, and South Australian members competing at interstate surf competitions, led to a push for the formation of a State body On 10 October, 1952, representatives from five clubs (Brighton, Glenelg, Henley, Moana and Seacliff) met with representatives from Surf Life Saving Australia and the Royal Life Saving Society. The outcome was the formation of what is now known as the Surf Life Saving Association of South Australia.

Jantzen began in the United States around 1910 and still operates today. The company grew quickly after its inception and established international operations in countries such as Argentina and Britain, with an Australian factory opening in Lidcombe, Sydney between Mons & Ostend streets in 1928.SignificanceSince the early twentieth century surf life saving has been a key component of beach culture in South Australia. This swimsuit highlights changing swimwear fashion in local surf life saving clubs, and is typical of beach wear in the 1940s. Surf life savers donned the distinctive red costumes for many years.DescriptionRed one-piece mens' bathing suit with SLSA of SA (Surf Life Saving Association of South Australia) logo stitched on to front breast. Logo has a blue background with the Piping Shrike ( the emblem of South Australia) in a yellow circle. SLSASA is embroidered underneath. The bottom left leg carries the Jantzen logo. The suit features a short modesty skirt at the front and a singlet style upper body. It has Y-shaped straps at the back and built in trunks.Creator (organisation)Jantzen InternationalAcknowledgement KeywordsSportlifesavingswimmingDate of Creationc1940Date of UsageDimensionType: Breast
Height: 780
Width: 370
Unit (Lengths): mm
|Type: Legs
Height: 780
Width: 430
Unit (Lengths): mm
Accession NumberHT 2007.0620

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CollectionLet’s Get Physical

Image Credits

Image FilenameHT2007-0620_CI7308.jpgCopyrightHistory Trust of South AustraliaLicenseCC-0PhotographerKylie Macey

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