The Stennett Girls

Ralph Stennett was the popular Manager of the Gentlemen’s Baths at Manly from 1893 to 1900. He was energetic and imaginative, and made the Baths into a paying concern. His three young daughters were taught the techniques of life-saving, and their fame spread to England, where the following article about them appeared in the magazine The Sketch, on 7 June 1899: “These little girls come of a remarkable family. The Stennetts of New South Wales, are known throughout the world for their prowess in the water, and they have greatly distinguished themselves as life-savers. Mr R A Stennett and his three daughters have between them rescued over twenty persons. Only recently, Miss Rettie V Stennett, who is scarcely fifteen years of age, acted the chief part in a most successful and plucky rescue of a visitor to Manly, who got out of his depth when bathing, and, as he was unable to swim, soon gave signs of distress. The other bathers thought the man was only making believe, and therefore did not take the matter seriously, and eventually he sank, and cries for help were raised. This was heard by Miss Rettie Stennett, who, when shown where the man had gone down, promptly dived into the water, fully apparelled, and at the first attempt brought him to the surface and then to shore. After the unconscious man had been landed, she at once rendered first aid, and, after an hour’s labour, her efforts were rewarded by seeing the man restored to animation. On a previous occasion this plucky swimmer was the means of rescuing three girls, who became frightened, clutched each other, and sank, and, but for the timely aid of Miss Stennett, all would have been drowned. Mr R A Stennett also has a splendid record. His first attempt was made at sea, when his favourite cat sprang overboard after a gull. All the family are members of the Life-Saving Society, and take a great pleasure in teaching the art of life-saving in the various schools in the locality. Both Rettie and Bessie, as well as their father, have passed the tests of the Life-Saving Society for proficiency in the rescue of the drowning, and have been awarded medallions and certificates of merit. Little Connie, who is only six years of age, is also most expert in the water, and, on account of her ability, has been honoured with the title of “Baby Champion of Australia”.