In 1925, the Shellharbour District Surf and Life Saving Club was formed, and new surf sheds were opened at the beach. In 1937, a meeting was called at the Shellharbour Hotel to kick-start the Surf Club.

During the war years, the club folded, though the reel was still on hand at the beach if anyone needed assistance in the water. After the war, Jim Cullen, owner of the Ocean Beach Hotel, with assistance from the local community secured a Nissan Hut from near the Steelworks, which had been used as an Army canteen. The Nissan Hut was brought on a truck from Warrawong, and became the first clubhouse. For the first couple of years, Shellharbour Workers Club rented the clubhouse for £5 per week, which helped to pay off the building.

In 1962, Keith Hockey was appointed Secretary of the Shellharbour South Beach Committee, which was formed to establish lifesaving on South Shellharbour Beach, during the holiday period. Campers at South Beach would not walk over to North Beach for a swim, and it became very dangerous. Shellharbour Council put a lifesaver on the beach during the weekends, and eventually increased it to full time. Lifesavers have been on the beach ever since.

Information thanks to Keith Hockey.