Overview

A modified IRB is being trialled during the 2026 Australian Surf Life Saving Championships to gather practical feedback from experienced operators. The trial is focused on understanding how a number of proposed changes perform in surf conditions, and whether they may have value for future consideration. This is a trial only and does not change the current IRB specification.

Background

These proposed changes have come from work being led by Surf Life Saving Tasmania in its role as the national Centre of Excellence for Flood and Swiftwater Rescue. As part of that work, a number of possible modifications to the IRB specification have been identified to support safe and effective operation across both surf and flood environments. A national trial process was endorsed through the National Lifesaving Committee, with Stage 1 undertaken on the Gold Coast in December 2025. Stage 2 at Aussies 2026 is intended to build on that work and gather further operational feedback in surf and coastal conditions.

How the trial will work

The trial will run across the Championships from 21–29 March 2026. The IRB may be used during normal water safety operations where conditions are assessed as low risk and approval is provided by the relevant Powercraft Coordinator or Safety Team. If conditions change or the risk increases, the trial will be conducted separately from normal operations. The boat may also be used separately for patient pick-ups or as a duty boat to help evaluate the modifications in practice. Safety remains the priority at all times, and the craft will only be used by appropriately inducted and qualified operators

Your feedback

Feedback from operators is a key part of this trial. We are particularly interested in whether any of the proposed modifications affect the performance or safety of the IRB in surf conditions. This includes observations on handling, stability, crew safety, patient retrieval, manoeuvrability, and any operational risks or benefits identified while using the craft. If you have operated the modified IRB, please take a moment to share your feedback using the feedback QR code.

Supporting documents

Further information is available in the Stage 2 Trial Briefing, summary of modifications, induction material, and feedback form:

• Feedback Form: available here.
• Summary of Modifications: available here.
• SLSNZ Training Manual Sections: available here.

Contact

For more information, please contact the SLST team via email at fswr@slst.asn.au or on 03 6216 7800.