Port Macquarie formed its first surf life-saving club in 1910, initially operating at Town Beach. From 1930 surf carnivals were held at Flynn’s Beach as Town Beach had been condemned for surf carnivals due to safety concerns. Beach safety, including surf bathing rescues, was provided by trained volunteer club members and members of the public using the iconic belt and reel. Humorous postcards like this one were common and remain popular. As the sender of this postcard writes ‘Plenty of men around here…’.