JJ Betts' story is best told by quoting from the passage written about him by Ralph Devlin in his 75th Year History of the Maroochydore SLSC (pages 2 and 3), published in 1991:
"This remarkable partnership between Venning and Betts began in a casual meeting between Venning and Betts' daughter in Brisbane. As manager of the Booroodabin Baths, Venning, with his experienced eye in swimming, noticed one day a young lady breast-stroking competently - something rather unusual; for the breast-stroke at that time was practically unknown in Australia. Upon introducing himself he learnt she was the former Lillian Adelaide Worthy, a keen swimmer and a former breast-stroke champion of the East London School, as well as a runner. She, then, introduced Venning to her husband, Joseph James Betts, recently appointed to take charge of the old Brisbane Gymnasium which then stood on the spot occupied now ny the car park of the University Dental School in Turbot Street.
"Professor Betts, as he came to be known to thousands of Brisbane people throughout the years, was a genuine Cockney, born at Mile End, Bow, in 1885.
"Joe Betts was Secretary of Queensland State Centre for 12 consecutive years. (1946-57)
"In 1950, J.J.Betts of Maroochydore SLSC was honoured with Life Membership of the Surf Life Saving Association of Australia."
Joe Betts was to replace Frank Venning as Secretary of RLSSQ for the period after Frank Venning moved to Maroochy River (1916) to when he (Venning) took over the managerment of the Ithaca Baths (1920).
