IRBs at Collaroy
IRB's are a major item of rescue equipment in most surf lifesaving clubs in Australia today. More people are rescued using IRBs than any other rescue equipment. Their main advantage is their ability to negotiate almost any surf, and the speed with which they can get to a rescue. Learning to drive an IRB in the surf involves at least 20 hours of training under the watchful eye of an experienced instructor, and passing a barrage of theoretical and practical tests before a club member is considered sufficiently competent to hold the Silver Medallion (IRB Driver).
Collaroy has a long history with regards IRBs (Inflatable Rescue Boats) in the club. Collaroy first began using IRBs in the mid 1980s, and began competing in IRB Rescue Competition in the early 1990s. During the 1990s, Collaroy became a leading competitive club, winning many branch state and Australian medals in IRB competition. In the late 1990s, Collaroy was the top IRB club in the Sydney Northern Beaches Branch, and was the third most successful club in NSW.
The main aim of IRB competition was to improve the skills of IRB driving and crewing in the surf, and this was evident in Collaroy. Although Collaroy no longer competes in IRB competition, many of the members who competed at the time have been able to pass on the skills they learnt during the 1990s, which has benefited the club as a whole.
The club is always keen to have more IRB drivers. If you would like to gain your Silver Medallion (IRB Driver) award, contact the IRB Captain, Clive Thompson (0417 063 724), Mike Simonsen, or Jonathan Farrell (0416 226 967).