Great Australian Volunteer Surf Life Saving Stories

Bill 'Swampy' Marsh

Jul 2025 · Bolinda · Narrated by Bill 'Swampy' Marsh and Janet Watson Kruse

Audiobook

11 hr 59 min

Unabridged

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About this audiobook

After I'd got him out of harm's way, I dived back in yet again and swam out past the surf-break, out to where the other two lads were floundering. Then, one at a time, I took them back onto the rocks – all done against the raging rip and wild surf. By then an hour or so had passed. Still, severe cuts, bruises and abrasions aside, I'd successfully saved the lives of the four young people who, in all probability, would've otherwise drowned. Surf Life Saving Australia is the nation's largest volunteer organisation, with over 300 affiliated clubs and more than 198,000 members – that's 198,000 Australians each with amazing stories to tell. From the golden sands of Bondi to the remote coastlines of Arnhem Land and the chilly waters of Tasmania, Bill 'Swampy' Marsh has gathered some of the best of those stories – from acts of remarkable bravery and daring rescues against the odds, to lighthearted and humorous yarns of encounters with crocodiles and sharks. Each story shines a light on the unwavering dedication, community spirit and extraordinary experiences of everyday Australians who selflessly devote their time to protect others. This audiobook contains the names of Aboriginal people now deceased.

About the author

Bill ‘Swampy' Marsh is an award-winning and bestselling writer/performer of stories, songs and plays. Based in Adelaide, he is best known for his successful Great Australian series of books published with ABC Books: More Great Australian Flying Doctor Stories (2007), Great Australian Railway Stories (2005), Great Australian Droving Stories (2003), Great Australian Shearing Stories (2001), and Great Australian Flying Doctor Stories (1999). His latest book is Great Australian Volunteer Surf Life Saving Stories (2025).

Janet Watson Kruse is an Australian stage, screen and voice actor. On screen, she is best known for TV series such as Glitch, Neighbours and Winners & Losers, shorts like The Laneway and Inside, and feature films such as Love, Tea & Epiphany and Out of Order. Her theatre roles include Vi in The Memory of Water at Chapel off Chapel, and a nine-year stint as Ellen Kelly, mother of Ned Kelly, at the Old Melbourne Gaol. Watson has also narrated a number of audiobooks, including True North by Catherine Deveny.

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