there are 208 IRBs across the 70 Surf Lifesaving Clubs. Since the early trials of the Inflatable Rescue Boat 30 years ago the craft have evolved little (at least aesthetically), perhaps reflecting just how good the initial design was.

Today the Arancia 3.8m hull is the only SLSNZ approved Hull.

The first outboard engine used on an IRB was a Johnson/Evinrude 25hp two stroke and shortly after the Mariner 30hp. Both these engines were modified by local distributors to meet the stresses of the surf environment. Over the 30 years Surf Life Saving New Zealand has steadily developed and modified engines. Today SLSNZ make their own specific modifications to Mercury 30HP engines and supply on average 40 new engines a year to Clubs throughout New Zealand ? ready to go from the box.

BP?s long term support has enabled Surf Life Saving New Zealand to develope the most advanced Inflatable Rescue Boat fleet in the world, by having one standard type of hull and engine used throughout the country. The 70 Surf Life Saving Clubs in New Zealand use IRBs not just for beach patrols but are a critical part of New Zealand?s emergency management capacity often called upon in flooding and other emergencies.

Today the BP IRB is used in more than three quarters of the rescues conducted by Surf Lifeguards each year.

BP IRB Specs
Hull:
3.8m Length:
65kgs Weight: (without engine)
3 Inflatable Pontoons

Engine:
30 HP
Two stroke
Stainless Propeller
Stainless Propeller Guard

Crew:
Driver and crewman
Can carry up to 12 people in an emergency  

BEAT THAT

So if your sitting here reading this and thinking jezzzz I’d like to help this great group of people read on-

Why Support Surf Life Saving?
The New Zealand coastline is one of the most spectacular in the world, and is New Zealand?s favorite playground. Tragically, there are still too many people who drown on our coastline. Yet there are thousands of others who have been given a second chance at life, thanks to our Surf Lifeguards. Surf Lifeguards are ordinary people that do extraordinary things.

Whether a child has been knocked over in the shallows, an adult is caught in a deep rip, or a fisherman washed off the rocks, Surf Lifeguards are always ready and willing to offer lifesaving support.

At a moment’s notice, they risk their own lives to save someone they’ve never met. And they do this day in, day out. They are true heroes of the surf. But even heroes need quality equipment and training to get the job done. To train and equip just one volunteer Lifeguard costs more than $2,600.

Surf Life Saving needs your support now so we can continue to provide essential rescue and patrol services in the future. Please give as much as you can and support Surf Life Saving.

$25 – Refill oxygen cylinders – vital for resuscitation treatment
$60 – Buys an emergency pack – an essential piece of patrol first aid equipment
$120 – Purchases a rescue tube – an effective deep water floatation device
$350 – Provides basic training for a new Lifeguard
$550 – Provides a stretcher – essential for spinal injury cases and moving patients unable to walk
$4000 – Purchases a Defibrillator – vital for the treatment of heart attacks 
$20,000 – Purchase an Inflatable Rescue Boat – a fast and reliable way to reach endangered swimmers and return them to shore

Surf Life Saving relies on the generosity of individuals and businesses to fund our essential services. Coastal property development, increased popularity of the New Zealand coast for recreational purposes, and the ever-increasing costs of rescue equipment and training, are stretching our resources to the limit.