A slew of excellent results for all participating clubs over the final weekend of the Sharkskin NSW Inflatable Lifeboat Premiership at Ocean Beach has highlighted the importance of the event as a method of further education as the iconic red, and yellow flags go out in winter. To be.
IRB racers descended on the state’s Central Coast on Saturday and Sunday for round 4 of the series — the final round before the state championships in a fortnight.
While competitive, the Premiership is an opportunity for drivers and crews to develop and hone essential rescue skills in simulated pressurized scenarios.
Ocean Beach IRB captain Jason Smith said these events are imperative for volunteer lifesavers.
“We talk about what a safe driver is and what a competent driver is,” he said.
“Everyone is a safe driver getting their IRB license, but these kinds of tournaments show the skilled drivers who will go into great turmoil when conditions aren’t desirable and save people.
“That’s what it’s about, developing those skills.”
Premiership heavyweights Kiama Downs continued to flex, winning nine finals. The South Coast club, in particular, took out every U23 event, cementing their hopes that they would remain a dominant force for years to come.
In the Rookie Mass Rescue – a race featuring the youngest drivers and combined crew in the format – Avalon Beach showed that the future is bright on the Northern Beaches, finishing ahead of Newport and host club Ocean Beach.
Illawarra club Helensburgh Stanwell Park, which had won each of the first three Rookie Mass Rescue finals in Terrigal, Bulli, and Broulee, did not field a team.
North Cronulla and Terrigal continued their tight battle in the Open Female events – Terrigal made it to the Teams Rescue, North Cronulla the Surf Rescue, and the pair went one, two in the Open Female Mass Rescue, fringed by the Sydney-based club.
Thirroul showed their strength in the 45+ category, with a win in the Surf Rescue with a bag of firsts and seconds as the headliner. At the same time, South Maroubra maintained their streak of winning at least one event on every Premiership stage, and the 45+ Mixed Teams Rescuewas were defeated.
While his club couldn’t take any wins that day, Jason said the way the event had come together at his home beach – a result of the collaboration of local clubs – was victory enough for him.
“We relied on Umina for some equipment, and everyone from all sides of our club joined in to make this happen,” he said.
“From our little ones to older competitors, everyone helped where they could to ensure we have very little work to do to compete.”
Full results and final points scores will be announced during the NSW Sharkskin IRB Championship, to be held in South West Rocks over the weekend of July 8-10.
R1 Wrap – Caves Beach Claims IRB Premiership Opening RoundR2 Wrap – Kiama Downs Dives to Top Position in Inflatable Lifeboat SeriesR3 Wrap – Kiama Downs Takes the Upper Hand in Premiership Inflatable Lifeboat
Monday, 27 June 2022