Over the next 50 years Dee Why grew and grew in popularity and Club members rescued over 2,400 bathers. Not one life was lost while Patrols were on duty. In 1920 the initial Club House was rolled off to a neighboring block and a new building funded by Club members was started. The Club House was completed the following year and served until 1935 when it was replaced by a larger and more salt resistant building.
During the war years membership declined as most able young men enlisted to do their duty. Despite this Patrols continued and Club members continued to improve their surroundings. They carved out the original rock pool, funded the promenade wall, planted the Norfolk Pines and built the war memorial.
There have been many stories of service and courage - too numerous to name, there have also been many stories of excellence in competition. All this and the spirit that is Dee Why has been captured in the book "The Drowning Don't Die" by Ern Thomas. This book is about the first 50 years of the Club and is a really, really good read. It was reprinted by the Club to celebrate its 85th birthday and is available from the Club shop.
Thankfully we now have a historical committee who are doing their best to write the next 50 years. Stand by for more tall tales and true.
