After a successful inaugural year in 2025, Surf Life Saving Tasmania will be hosting the Women in Powercraft Program at Clifton Surf Life Saving Club from June 6-8 2026.

Expressions of interest are now open for this targeted development opportunity for female-identifying and non-binary members. Although the program has a specific target group, participants are still trained and assessed in line with course requirements and there is no change to the expectations or standards for IRB Crew and Drivers. 

This pioneering program aims to open up powercraft training, targeting potential female and non-binary drivers and crew for inflatable rescue boats, further developing their IRB skills and confidence in a collaborative and inclusive environment.

The weekend last year was inspiring, empowering and a real confidence boost for all involved. According to a survey following last year’s event, 100% of participating members were satisfied with the program. 

“The Women in Powercraft program was an awesome weekend that expanded my knowledge and confidence on IRBs dramatically. I felt well supported and had lots of fun learning and practicing in a knowledgeable and respectful environment,” said one participant.

“The women in powerboat training was an amazing experience. It was confidence boosting, had extremely knowledgeable trainers, the content very relevant, and had fun exercises for personal and group success,” another said. 

The program saw 85% of participants register specifically because it was female-only. Previously, low female participation had been attributed to a lack of availability at their clubs, feeling overshadowed by male peers of the same age, and perceptions that the program was too challenging for females.

Female empowerment and development in this space is vital. “It is essential that these opportunities continue for females in power craft until there is systemic change that removes the gender bias in the space, ” said one participant.

Others praised the transformative experience of the weekend.

“What made it extraordinary wasn’t just the brilliant content, but the people behind it: the fierce women who led with passion, the supportive men who championed our space, and the tireless volunteers who made every detail seamless,” they said. 

There was a collective sense of pride in being a part of the inaugural female only program.

“Being involved with the first ever women in power craft training was an honour and an absolute joy. Training and organising was outstanding and the opportunity to learn from women with such different experiences was amazing. I cannot recommend experiencing a training in this format more, I feel so equipped to continue getting out in the IRB,” another said. 

Expressions of interest are now open for the 2026 Women in Powercraft program. For all circular information regarding the program, click here.