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The boats of the surf lifesavers

The boats of the surf lifesavers

When it is a matter of life or death, every second counts. For Surf Life Saving Queensland’s volunteer surf lifesavers, who return to Gold Coast beaches from 19 September, a range of boating vessels are critical to their operation and achieving the organisation’s vision of ‘zero preventable deaths in Queensland public waters’.

Inflatable rescue boats (IRBs) at each beach patrol are supported by an operations support network including rescue water craft (RWCs), jet rescue boats (JRBs) and offshore rescue boats (ORBs) to assist in reaching and retrieving patient—fast.

Inflatable Rescue Boat (IRB)

Also known as rubber duckies, IRBs are rubber boats with an outboard motor manned by a driver and crewperson. A compulsory piece of rescue equipment at all flagged beach patrol arenas, an IRB can reach a maximum drive speed of 15-20 knots on flat water and provides a faster response and return time than traditional tube or board rescues.

Rescue Water Craft (RWC)

More commonly referred to as jet skis, RWCs are fast, highly manoeuvrable pieces of equipment, ideally suited to the local surf environment, proven to be one of the most valuable pieces of rescue equipment used in patrol operations on Queensland beaches. RWCs are used for roving patrols along the coastline, as well as emergency rescue situations.

Jet Rescue Boat (JRB)

Operating in Queensland for over 30 years, the Gold Coast JRB is based at Currumbin, and primarily used as a surveillance vessel, as well as a 24-hour callout and search-and-rescue service (with an endurance of up to 10 hours). The 6.4-metre aluminium craft, powered by turbo-charged diesel and petrol engines, has increased white-water rescue capabilities, with operational areas including high seas, shallow waters and river mouths where a jet system is unmatched.

Offshore Rescue Boat (ORB)

ORBs are fully kitted-out emergency response vessels, carrying state-of-the-art rescue, lifesaving and medical equipment. Their speciality is search and rescue, with a strong emphasis on first aid and basic medical response and assistance, providing a 24-hour callout service, including multi-agency search and rescue operations with other marine rescue agencies. ORBs provide water supervision on weekends and public holidays year-round, and are also involved with special events and community awareness programs.

Surf Life Saving Queensland’s operations support services have become a crucial development in surf rescue. The specialist skills set and rapid motorised response units, which are on call 24 hours a day, provide yet another layer of support in keeping Gold Coast beaches and aquatic environments safe.

Applications are always welcome from members of the public who are keen to get involved by volunteering as a surf lifesaver and becoming part of the Operations Support team. For more information on how to join, visit lifesaving.com.au/membership.

by Saira Manns, Surf Life Saving Queensland