IRBs Inflatable rescue boats
Inflatable rescue boats or IRBs are responsible for over 50% of the rescues conducted by surf lifeguards in New Zealand.
The IRB was trialled one weekend in 1978 at Auckland’s infamous West coast beach, Piha, over the weekend trials, the 3.8m Arancia dive and sport boat was adopted by Surf Life Saving New Zealand as their new rescue boat that replaced a number of custom built jet boats that were being used across the country
Since 1978, the IRB has been an integral tool for the surf lifeguard movement across the country.
The 3.8m inflatable is powered by a 30hp Mercury outboard and can propel the boat at speeds of up to 35kph with a crewman, patient and driver on board.
Ocean Beach Kiwi SLSC has a very proud IRB racing team among the club who are keen to share and diversify the IRB racing scene. IRB racing is a fast-paced, action-packed sport where crews get to demonstrate mastery of their craft while safely navigating courses and picking up patients in the surf zone, competing in long-haul events or competing at national or regional events across the country.
To crew the boats, there is a team of two manning the hull. A crewman controls the bow of the boat, keeping the nose down while executing the crucial pickup of the patient in the water and the driver is responsible for speed control, line control and ensuring the boat stays upright while racing.
To get started in the IRB scene and launch yourself into the action, sign up to complete your bronze medallion, complete your VHF course and sign up for the crewman module to get started in the scene.
The pathway
Qualifications are required for IRB racing, along with age restrictions.
IRB Crewmans:
The IRB crewman’s award is designed to upskill surf lifeguards to enable them to safely crew an IRB. This course is a hands-on, practical course which teaches a number of skills including launching, retrieving, basic maintenance, hand signal communication, performing rescues effectively and safely and more.
Prerequisites for this course include: SLSNZ Member, Surf Lifeguard Award (Bronze Medallion), Aged 14+
IRB Drivers:
The IRB drivers course is designed to provide practical, hands-on experience to keep crews safe while maintaining effective IRB driving skills. This course includes a number of outcomes including maritime laws, engine maintenance, parallel running, solo driving, rescue techniques, boat handling techniques and hand signal communication types.
Prerequisites for this course include: SLSNZ Member, Surf Lifeguard Award (Bronze Medallion), IRB Crewman’s Award, VHF Radio Operator’s Certificate, Aged 16+
VHF Radio Operator's Certificate:
This course is facilitated by the coastguard which gives all vessel operators a comprehensive understanding of the VHF radio network, and how to transmit effectively using a VHF and is a prerequisite for any IRB courses.
Prerequisites for this course include: SLSNZ Member, Surf Lifeguard Award (Bronze Medallion).
IRB Patient:
To become an IRB racing patient, all you need is your bronze medallion and a willingness to learn. IRB patients are essential for all competitions and training sessions, this is a fantastic way to get started in the IRB scene and learn all of the tips and tricks to mastering the craft.