Inflatable Rescue Boats (IRB) Surf Sports

Inflatable Rescue Boat (IRB) Racing is a fast-paced surf lifesaving sport that showcases the skills used in real-life rescue situations. Teams consisting of a driver and crewperson compete in events that test speed, teamwork, surf awareness, and boat-handling ability in challenging ocean conditions.

IRB racing is important because it helps lifesavers develop and maintain the practical rescue skills needed to respond effectively during emergencies, ensuring they are well prepared to protect and save lives on the beach.

IRB (Inflatable Rescue Boat) competition aims to:
• Improve the skills and technique of IRB drivers and crew.
• Allow crews to demonstrate their techniques and abilities to perform rescues.
• Bring crews together to discuss and improve IRB techniques and operations.
• Promote safety awareness techniques for the crew and patients in simulated rescue scenarios.

There are five events in IRB competition:

  • IRB Rescue: Single Patient Rescue with one IRB
  • IRB Rescue – Tube Rescue Single patient rescue utilising the tube and one IRB.
  • IRB Team Rescue: Two IRB’s work together to save a patient that was thrown from one boat.
  • Mass Rescue: Multiple Patient Rescue (two patients) with one IRB
  • IRB Relay: This event is a continuous relay involving the four events detailed above in the following order: Rescue Tube, Mass Rescue, Teams Rescue and Rescue. Each leg shall be as per the individual event descriptions except for changeovers between legs. The finish shall be following the completion of the Rescue (fourth) leg of the race.