Williamstown Swimming and Life Saving Club (S&LSC) lifesavers have returned from the Sharkskin Australian Inflatable Rescue Boat (IRB) Championships in Kingscliff, New South Wales with a gold and silver medal.
Showcasing the IRB, one of the most popular pieces of modern life saving rescue equipment, the Sharkskin Australian and Interstate IRB Championships saw teams from across the nation battling it out across four fast and furious days of racing.
James Key, Sarah Meehan, Ann Renda and Talia Rodder claimed the gold medal and title of Australian champions in the masters women’s mass rescue.
While Sophie Ivey, Brydie Logan and Alexander Walton took the silver in the open women’s tube rescue.
Life Saving Victoria (LSV) general manager sports participation Ryan O’Connor congratulated Williamstown S&LSC athletes, coaches and team management for their outstanding performance on the national stage.
“Williamstown is a proud IRB racing club, and I could not be more proud to see them having such a strong performance in the Australian Championships,” he said.
“IRB racing is one of the best examples of sport providing active training for rescue-ready lifesavers.
“… With our athletes braving the cooler 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.”