Local athletes secure medals at Australian IRB Championships

LIFSAVERS from Geelong and the Surf Coast have returned home with some new silverware after taking out five national medals at the Sharkskin Australian Inflatable Rescue Boat (IRB) Championships.

Held at Kingscliff in New South Wales last week, the event brought together hundreds of surf life saving athletes from across the country for four days of fast and furious racing.

More than 30 lifesavers represented Team Victoria, including crews from Ocean Grove Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC), Barwon Heads 13th Beach SLSC and Wye River SLSC.

Ocean Grove SLSC was an unstoppable force in the Under 23 women’s tube and mass rescue divisions, bringing home two gold medals.

Khy Slavinskis (left), Ruby Keon-Cohen (middle) and Jae Knobben from Mildura LSC but racing for Ocean Grove (right).

Barwon Heads 13th Beach SLSC left their best efforts to the last open finals day, bringing a bronze medal back to the Bellarine for their efforts in the open women’s team rescue division.

Hampton SLSC, South Melbourne SLSC, Elwood SLSC and Williamstown SLSC also scored podium finishes throughout the four days of competition.

Nathan Maher and Isabelle Balding from Barwon Heads 13th Beach SLSC.

Victoria also placed third overall in the interstate component of the event and secured two medals.

Life Saving Victoria general manager sports participation Ryan O’Connor congratulated local athletes, coaches and team managers on their outstanding performances.

Ocean Grove SLSC members Orlagh Davison, Mackenzie Hooper and Lars Ralph on the podium.

“Victoria is a proud IRB racing state in the lifesaving world, and I could not be more proud to see Team Victoria on the podium,” he said.

“IRB racing is one of the best examples of sport providing active training for rescue-ready lifesavers, with our athletes braving the colder water at this time of year to practice their rescue skills in a competitive setting, skills that directly translate to saving lives between the flags during the summer patrol season.

“From our masters showcasing their experience, our open competitors putting on a top show, and our under 23 competitors who are the future of our sport, our athletes can return to Victoria extremely proud of their efforts.”

For full results, head to liveheats.com/slsa