Surf Life Saving Saving Tasmania held an Inflatable Rescue Boat (IRB) professional development program over the weekend, upskilling trainers and assessors ahead of the red and yellow flags officially going up at the start of next month. 

The program kicked off on Saturday afternoon in Hobart, before a full day practical session at Clifton Beach on Sunday. 

Fourteen trainers, assessors and content experts from across Tassie took part in the sessions facilitated by Clifton Beach legend Simon Kay, SLSQ Regional Manager Nathan Fife, and IRB racing champ Chantel Fife. 

SLST Senior Lifesaving Services Coordinator, Ned Reardon, says that the program provided those in attendance with invaluable skills and expertise that will prove pivotal with start of the Christmas School Holidays just around the corner. 

“The weekend’s program was all about professional development and collaborative learning for IRB Trainers, Assessors and Probationary Trainers”, he said. 

“Through discussions, practical sessions and workshops, we aim to enhance the skills of trainers and assessors.

“An information session was also included on the operation and maintenance of IRB engines.”

The program also addressed updates and provided professional development sessions that coincide with the release of new national IRB resources.