IRBs ride the waves at Ocean Grove carnival

LIFE Saving Victoria’s (LSV) Inflatable Rescue Boat (IRB) racing teams were back in action for the second carnival of the season, which was hosted by Ocean Grove SLSC.

With a consistent two- to three-feet swell, the competitors were able to put their rescue skills on show in the May 23 event, punching through waves on the way out to sea and riding them to shore with expertise on the way back with their patients.

“It was great to have some surf for our second carnival of the year,” LSV manager and aquatic sport Simon Butterly said.

“The IRB is one of the most popular and important pieces of rescue equipment on our summer patrols so as well as making for great competition, the skills put on show by our athletes also demonstrates their ability as lifesavers.

“Thank you to Ocean Grove SLSC for being great hosts on the day, we are looking forward to being back in action again at our third IRB carnival at South Melbourne Life Saving Club on Sunday, June 6.”

Barwon Heads/13th Beach SLSC won the Open Men’s Rescue and Open Men’s Tube Rescue categories, while Wonthaggi SLC won the Open Women’s Rescue.

Host club Ocean Grove SLSC won Open Men’s Mass Rescue and finished on the podium in both Open Women’s Teams Rescue and Open Women’s Mass Rescue.