There are a number of items that fall under IRB equipment that both the IRB Driver and IRB Crewperson must be aware of and ensure are operational. This section will cover all the elements that make up SLSA IRB equipment. All designs and construction of an IRB must be approved by SLSA.
In 2015 SLSA implemented the One Specification Inflatable Rescue Boats in Australia. This manual has exclusively used the One Specification IRB in procedures, images and videos, however the superseded Class I, Class II and Class III IRB hulls are still acceptable to use until end of life.
Hull
This vessel is fully inflatable with at least three separate inflatable buoyancy compartments and a separate inflatable keelson. The hull is made entirely of Hypalon with a removable floorboard and a fibre glass transom.
An IRB hull is made up of:
Download a copy of the IRB Labelled Hull
Auxiliary Items
The following auxiliary items make up the mandatory equipment that must be carried in an operational IRB. All of these items are to be correctly stowed within the IRB:
- Knife—stainless steel with blunt end, contained in a sheath
- Pair of paddles secured to the IRB
- SLSA approved Rescue Tube secured to IRB
- Pea-less whistle with minimum 30cm lanyard located in a position that is accessible to the IRB drivers
- Towrope with floats secured to IRB
- Approved and operational radio housed in an appropriate waterproof carrier
Some areas may have additional auxiliary equipment requirements. Please refer to your local SOPs for more details.
Motor
Only approved SLS surf motors may be used for IRB operations. Features of an IRB motor include:
Download a copy of the IRB Labelled Motor
For more information, see the IRB Motor Familiarisation topic
Personal protective equipment (PPE)
PPE that is applicable to all personnel working within IRBs includes (but may not be limited to):
- SLSA approved PFD, correctly fitted – mandatory
- SLSA approved cap tied under the chin (specific to the role being performed) – mandatory
- SLSA approved long-sleeved rash shirt
- Broad-brimmed hat or peaked cap (worn over an SLSA approved cap tied under the chin)
- High-protection (SPF 30+ or SPF 50+) sunscreen
- Wetsuit, including booties and gloves if required
- Full Length stinger suit (including booties and gloves as required) in tropical waters
- SLSA approved helmet, if required
Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs)
All members in an IRB must wear an approved PFD at all times and for all types of operations. Patients rescued from the water are not required to wear a PFD. If the IRB Crewperson is entering the water to perform a rescue or to secure the patient in a rescue situation, they should keep their PFD on for their own safety. If a spray jacket (or similar) is worn, it must be underneath the PFD. i.e. The PFD must be worn on top of all other garments.
Refer to the SLSA Approved Gear and Equipment List for a list of approved PFDs.
Surf Helmets in IRB Operations
Approved surf helmets are required to be worn by all participants acting as patients in any surf lifesaving IRB training, IRB competition training and IRB competition events. IRB Operators (Driver and Crewperson) may wear helmets regardless of role if they are available.
A list of approved surf helmets can be found in the SLSA Approved Gear and Equipment List. The Gear and Equipment list is available on the SLSA website and the SLS Members Area.
LifeTec Water Rescue Manikin
The use of LifeTec Water Rescue Manikin is recommended where available in training especially when training new drivers to avoid accidental collision with patients.
