Earlier this month, more than 30 Tasmanian surf lifesavers took part in a breakthrough program aimed at building the capability of the state’s female members.

Addressing a distinct gender imbalance, Surf Life Saving Tasmania delivered the inaugural IRB Training for Women in Lifesaving Program over the weekend in Hobart.

With the aim of opening up opportunities where women are welcomed into powercraft training, the program on the first weekend in May targeted the training potential drivers and crew for inflatable rescue boats.

Prior to the implementation of this program, women accounted for just 28 percent of all accredited IRB drivers and crews in Tasmania. Around the country, the figure is as low as 16 percent.

SLST State Development Advisor Allison Kable said creating a unique environment for female members to thrive had proved extremely popular.

“Our volunteer men and women work hand-in-hand patrolling our beaches however the numbers don’t lie and it is clear we have a genuine imbalance when it comes to how genders are represented in terms of powercraft capability throughout Surf Life Saving,” Alison said.

“Similar initiatives have been delivered around the country with success so it’s little surprise we’ve had so many capable women putting their hand up to take part.”

To assist with the inaugural program, Surf Life Saving Tasmania has sought the assistance of trainers, assessors and facilitators from South Australia and New South Wales who are experienced in delivering the program.

Over the weekend, eight volunteer trainers from around the state guided 12 members towards becoming Silver Medallion IRB Drivers along with a further 20 female members training to be IRB Crew.   

“Powercraft is an ever-increasing mode of rescue around the country which makes it important that a high portion of the membership is proficient as drivers or crew,” said Allison.

“While women are currently underrepresented in this space, the success of this program and the ones which follow ensures we are working towards gender parity, and this can only be a good thing for the membership as a whole and the safety of the beachgoing public.”