Two members inducted into SLSSA Hall of Fame
Surf Life Saving SA was proud to induct Leigh Bowbridge and Richard Crowe into the SLSSA Hall of Fame at the 2026 Awards of Excellence.
Leigh Bowbridge - Glenelg SLSC
Hall of Fame - Surf Sports
Leigh Bowbridge is a lifelong competitor, coach, and mentor whose contribution to surf lifesaving has spanned almost six decades.
Since joining Glenelg Surf Life Saving Club in 1967, Leigh has dedicated countless hours to the advancement of surf sports, athlete development, and club culture. His outstanding service was recognised through Life Membership in 1983/84, before being elevated to Life Governor status in 2023.
On the world stage, Leigh has represented surf lifesaving with distinction, competing at 10 World Lifesaving Titles and five World Masters Games. He also proudly represented South Australia in 1975 and 1979 and has since assisted in coaching State Team competitors.
As an athlete, his competitive achievements are exceptional. Across Open and Masters competition, he has claimed numerous Australian and State Championship medals in both individual and team events. His Masters record alone includes 11 Australian gold medals and an extraordinary 74 State Championship gold medals. Perhaps even more remarkable is his streak of competing at 52 consecutive Australian Championships.
Beyond competition, Leigh’s influence on surf sports in South Australia has been profound. A committed beach coach since 1974, he has mentored generations of athletes across Glenelg and the broader lifesaving community. Whether coaching Nippers on Saturday mornings, leading March Past teams, or helping establish the highly successful Beach Blitz competition series, he has consistently created opportunities for athletes to develop, compete, and succeed.
His contribution to Glenelg extends far beyond the competition arena. Over the decades, he has served in numerous leadership roles including Club Captain, Vice Captain, Treasurer, Boat Captain, Patrol Captain, Beach Captain, carnival official, and long-serving Beach Committee member. He also played a hands-on role in rebuilding and expanding the club during the late 1960s and 70s, contributing countless volunteer hours to help secure the club’s future.
Richard Crowe - Brighton SLSC
Hall of Fame - Leadership
Richard Crowe is a dedicated mentor, official, and administrator whose contribution to surf lifesaving has helped shape officials, athletes, and members across South Australia for more than two decades.
Since joining Brighton Surf Life Saving Club in 2005, Richard has devoted countless volunteer hours across club, state, national, and international levels of surf lifesaving. Widely respected for his professionalism, reliability, and willingness to step forward wherever needed, he has become one of the most trusted leaders within the officiating and development space.
His contribution to surf sports officiating has been extraordinary. Beginning as an official in 2006, Richard has progressed through roles including Carnival Referee, Sectional Referee, Chief Referee, scrutineer, finish judge, mentor, and assessor, officiating at State Championships, Australian Championships, Interstate Championships, Pool Rescue and IRB Championships, and World Lifesaving Championships.
At state level, he has played a significant role in youth development, official education, mentoring, and leadership pathways through long-standing involvement across multiple advisory committees, and as current Chairperson of the State Officials Panel. He continues to lead trainee workshops, mentoring programs, and official development opportunities throughout South Australia.
Richard’s outstanding contribution has been recognised through multiple SLSSA Official of the Year awards and an International Life Saving Federation Citation of Merit in 2018.
Even following his retirement in July 2024, he continues to volunteer his time at Surf Central, supporting multiple departments including Surf Sports, Education, and Development.
Through his leadership, humility, and unwavering commitment to service, Richard has made a lasting impact on surf lifesaving in South Australia and beyond.
