Chris Pullen | Blue Wave Properties Strategies
We were having a chat in the office with Andrew from Barr & Co (our awesome office neighbours and good friends), and he shared something we’d never heard before—something truly meaningful as we reflect on Anzac Day.
Did you know the iconic red and yellow surf lifesaving flags we see on Australian beaches today actually have their roots in the Gallipoli campaign of World War I?
During that harrowing time, Anzac soldiers used these flags to mark safe zones along the chaotic coastline. They weren’t just coloured fabric—they were lifelines, helping troops distinguish friend from foe and navigate danger. At sea, they were used to signal “man overboard” situations, playing a crucial role in saving lives.
When the soldiers returned home, they brought the symbolism of those flags with them. In the early 1920s, the red and yellow flags began appearing on our beaches—transformed from wartime signals into icons of safety, mateship, and community. These same values continue today through the dedicated work of surf lifesavers across the country.
Chris, who proudly patrols with the Alexandra Headland Life Saving Club, has always felt a strong sense of pride each time he places those red and yellow flags in the sand, knowing he’s helping to keep people safe. But after learning this story yesterday, he now feels an even deeper connection—one that ties his role on the beach to the bravery and sacrifice of the Anzacs.
That connection is deeply personal too. Chris is the proud custodian of his great-grandfather’s Anzac Day medals—something we’ll be sharing a photo of today. It’s a powerful reminder of his family’s service and a legacy that lives on in the way he serves his community today.
Big thanks to Andrew for sparking this incredible conversation—it’s amazing what you can learn from a simple chat in the office. We’re lucky to share a space with the wonderful team at Barr & Co and to be surrounded by a community that honours history, connection, and courage.
This Anzac Day, as we pause to remember those who served, let’s also reflect on the everyday ways their spirit lives on. The red and yellow flags are more than just beach markers—they’re a tribute to the enduring Anzac legacy. ❤️💛