Inflatable Rescue Boat (IRB)

IRBs are powered rescue crafts employed in the majority of Australian beaches for inshore surveillance, rough water rescues, water safety operations and mass rescues scenarios. They extend the effectiveness of the patrol especially when surf conditions are too dangerous for rescue boards and tubes to be used.

Within the environs of Tamarama, IRBs can and are used in

• water safety for TOSS and ocean swim carnivals;
• rough water rescues, e.g., around the Twins area and Mackenzie's Bay
• shark surveillance
• area of patrol range from Mackenzie's Bay to Bronte Beach

It is a requirement for all Surf Livesaving patrols to have an operational IRB on standby. Tamarama SLSC has a reciprocal agreement with Bronte SLSC, where Tamarama IRB will patrol both beaches on Saturdays while Bronte IRB will do so on Sundays.

Patrol Operation

IRBs are operated by a Crew and Driver, though in Tamarama SLSC most Crews are also Drivers.

• Crew are responsible for the maintenance and operation of the rubber hull, including checking for leaks, air pressure and fuel level;
• Drivers are responsible for the maintenance and operation of the engine and the safety of the crew, patient and the general public while the IRB is deployed;

It is dangerous for the IRB to be operated solo and it is a requirement that both Crew and Driver be available on the day of the patrol.

Note:

Patrol frequencies for IRB teams are identical to normal members, i.e., ~1 every 3 weeks. However, all IRB drivers are rostered on Saturdays to facilitate the agreement with Bronte.

The patrol roster can be accessed online here

If substitutions are required, please ensure that they are made with another IRB squad member.

Officers

Daniel Zafir		Captain
Andrew Blenkinsop		Team Manager?
Hugh		Training Officer?
Johahn Leung		Commuications & Accounting
Bruce Conolly		Equipment?
Jamie G		Sponsorships?
Nick Kirby		Sponsorships?

Training

See IRB Training page

Equipment

Sponsorship Opportunities

-- JohahnLeung - 03 Feb 2008