Inflatable rescue boat racing is helping young Sunshine Coast locals build confidence, leadership skills and practical lifesaving experience.
IRB racing is one of surf life saving’s most exciting disciplines, combining speed, teamwork and technical skill in conditions that closely mirror real-life rescue scenarios.
Crews navigate breaking surf, retrieve a ‘patient’ and return safely to shore. The format requires decision making, communication and surf knowledge.
Sunshine Coast teams are preparing for the national champions at South West Rocks in New South Wales from July 15-19.
But the sport is about more than racing.
Dicky Beach Surf Life Saving Club’s IRB program provides young members with opportunities to build leadership, teamwork and resilience through practical experience in the surf.
Team member Jasper Coghlan, 21, who began at the club as a nipper, said the team has become much more than a sporting group.
“Being part of the IRB team has built lifelong friendships and given me a real sense of belonging.”
Team member Kenya Nebauer, 24, says surf lifesaving has shaped her both personally and professionally.
“Surf lifesaving gave me new friends and new opportunities,” she said. “I achieved more than I thought I was capable of and that confidence flowed into my life outside lifesaving.”
Dicky Beach team captain Eli Strachan, 22, said competing at nationals would be an honour and an opportunity.
“Competing in IRB racing at the national level is an incredible opportunity to showcase and test our team’s skills against the best teams in Australia,” he said.
Strachan said he was proud to represent the club, which was established in 1950.
“It is a true honour to represent Dicky Beach Surf Club and compete under the green, white and gold cap.”
The team’s success is built on more than training and racing. Members also maintain equipment, service motors, organise logistics and support each other both on and off the beach.
The team is now seeking support from local businesses to help meet the costs of equipment, maintenance and competition.
Team member Tommy Heap, 22, said sponsorship had a direct community impact.
“Your support is not just helping us race. It is investing in local volunteers who dedicate their time to protecting our beaches, saving lives and developing the next generation of lifesavers,” he said.
Supporters and the wider community can watch the championships live via the Surf Life Saving Australia YouTube Channel.
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