Overview
The Inflatable Rescue Boat (IRB) is an integral piece of rescue equipment for Surf Life Saving (SLS) clubs around Australia. IRBs are used for many applications including routine patrol duties, water safety and Search and Rescue (SAR).
The skills needed to crew and drive an IRB are learnt over time. When operating an IRB, the Driver and Crewperson need to ensure they always operate within the policies, procedures and guidelines set for IRB operations.
The use of an IRB in surf lifesaving and lifeguarding around the world has increased the speed, efficiency and effectiveness of rescuing people in distress.
This manual contains the latest information to assist with training Surf Life Saving members in the use of these craft.
History of IRBs
In Australia, upon returning from lifeguard duties in the UK in 1969, Warren Mitchell OAM of the Avalon Beach Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC) had an idea for a rescue craft that could be deployed quickly under varying surf conditions and was adaptable to different Australian beaches. Warren proceeded to bring the English ‘Dunlop’ Inflatable Boat to Australia. The boat was successfully adopted by his local club, when the IRB performed a rescue of eight people in November 1969. By 1972 the French ‘Zodiac’ inflatable was also imported into Australia with manager Ken Brown approaching Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA) to test the French brand.
The first Zodiac IRB was developed in 1972 by Ken Brown of Zodiac Inflatable Boats Australia in conjunction with Harry Brown OAM of North Cronulla SLSC and SLSA. The Zodiac IRB was recognised as the superior performing IRB for SLSA across the country. Ken Brown soon improved the Zodiac IRB by modifying the removable floor and transom, introducing new specifications accepted by SLSA.
Originating at North Cronulla SLSC, the Zodiac IRB participated in several surf rescue competitions, including Soldiers Beach SLSC in the early 1970s. The new Zodiac IRB powered by a 25 hp Johnson motor (with propguard) demonstrated a live rescue in a much quicker time than previously experienced.
At the same event, a surf club Crewperson was injured during the collision of two traditional ‘wooden’ surf boats, highlighting yet another benefit of the ‘rubber duck’ for safety of surf rescue crews. The IRB measured 3.8m in length, setting the precedent for the familiar IRB now recognised today. By the early 1980s the Zodiac IRB was rolled out across Surf Life Saving Clubs in Australia and Ken Brown Marine had developed the rigid hull for the SLSA IRB. Brown and his team received an Australian Design Award in 1987 for the rigid hull.
Over the next 20+ years the IRB went through a great period of growth and development with Harry Brown OAM (Life Member of North Cronulla SLSC) developing the first training courses and the IRB specifications and drawings that are still used by SLSA today. Harry Brown OAM also wrote the first Surf Life Saving IRB Training manual that was published in 1977.
Today, IRBs have become the rescue ‘workhorse’ of lifesaving patrols, replacing the traditional reel and belt method and surf boats. With more than 200,000 lives saved across Australia, the IRB has proven itself to be one of the most versatile pieces of rescue equipment in operation today.
IRBs have continued to evolve over the years with SLSA recently implementing the One Specification Inflatable Rescue Boats in Australia.