575 surf lifesavers from an estimated 42 Surf Life Saving clubs around Australia will shift gears in their IRB’s for the National IRB Championships this Friday 22 to Sunday 24 July at Mollymook Beach, NSW.

The national championship will bring together the strongest crews from all across the country for both the Interstate Championships on Friday morning, followed by the Australian Championships on Friday afternoon, Saturday and Sunday.

Competition should be tight with the reigning champions from North Burleigh SLSC returning to hopefully preserve their title after winning their state championship earlier this month.

Surf Life Saving Australia’s National Coastal Risk and Safety Manager, Shane Daw highlighted the importance of the event and the significance of IRBs as a primary rescue device for surf lifesavers across the country.

“During the 2014/15 patrol season, over 1,300 rescues were performed using an IRB by surf lifesavers Australia wide. The IRB competition develops and enhances skills and techniques used for saving lives every day. The Championship provides an opportunity to test these skills against other surf lifesavers in simulated rescue events, as a result providing a better service to the community.” Mr Daw said.

“While the IRB Championships put our surf lifesavers into competition mode, they also showcase the rescue skills of our IRB crew in all surf conditions. These then apply back in our clubs within our patrol services.” said Andrew Buhk, SLSA Chair of Sport.

“This year’s IRB Championships are expected to be another fantastic event and Surf Life Saving Australia thanks both Mollymook Surf Life Saving Club and Shoalhaven City Council for hosting the event this year.”

Surf Life Saving Australia welcomes spectators and encourages residents to head along to catch the action on Mollymook Beach for the Championships.

Event details:

Friday 22 July: IRB Interstate Championships, 9:00AM – 10:30AM; National IRB Championships Day 1 11:30AM – 4:00PM

Saturday 23 July: National IRB Championships Day 2, 8:00AM – 4:00PM

Sunday 24 July: National IRB Championships Day 3, 8:00AM – 3:00PM

Hashtag: #IRBChamps

Competing Clubs

Aldinga Bay SLSC

Alexandra Headland SLSC

Barwon Heads 13th Beach SLSC

Bribie Island SLSC

Brighton LSC Inc (VIC)

Brighton SLSC (SA)

Broadbeach SLSC

Bungan Beach SLSC Inc

Catherine Hill Bay SLSC

Caves Beach SLSC

Coogee SLSC (NSW)

Coolum Beach SLSC

Dicky Beach SLSC

Elouera SLSC

Elwood LSC

Hampton LSC

Kawana Waters SLSC

Kiama Downs SLSC

Kirra SLSC

Kurrawa SLSC

Lorne SLSC

Mermaid Beach SLSC Inc

Miami Beach SLSC

Mullaloo SLSC

Newport SLSC

North Burleigh SLSC

North Cronulla SLSC

North Curl Curl SLSC

Point Lookout SLSC

Port Noarlunga SLSC

Portland SLSC

Portsea SLSC

Queenscliff SLSC

South Maroubra SLSC

South Melbourne LSC

Sunset Beach SLSC (NZ)

Terrigal SLSC

Thirroul SLSC

West Beach SLSC

Williamstown Swimming and LSC (Inc.)

Wonthaggi LSC

Woonona SLSC