Club History

Ogmore-by-Sea is situated on the South Wales coast between Southerndown and Porthcawl.

It is a beach where people have been visiting for years to swim and enjoy themselves. The main danger at Ogmore-by-Sea is where the river meets the sea; this causes strong currents and under tows.

In early summer of 1967 3 people drowned at Ogmore-by-Sea; their boat overturned in the river. These people were not the first to get into difficulties at Ogmore.

A pioneer who had already set up lifesaving clubs along the South Wales Coast, decided to do something about the needless loss of life at Ogmore-by-Sea, his name was Commander Charles Thompson.

On Wednesday 26th July 1967 Commander Thompson invited a number of people to Atlantic College to discuss the possibility of forming a committee in connection with Lifeguard Patrol at Ogmore-by-Sea.

As a result of this meeting Pen-y-Bont SLSC was born.

The first Patrol commenced on 5th August 1967. Pen-y-Bont Council provided a hut for members to use. The hut was divided down the middle, one half for female the other half for males. The site of the club hut was situated where the headquarters is today.

The first rescue performed by Lifeguards at Ogmore-by-Sea was on Saturday 19th August 1967 by 2 female members.

If any past members or members of the public have any photos or anecdotes pertaining to the history of Penybont Surf Life Saving Club would you please pass them on via the contact page.