IRB crew person
Encyclopedia
The IRB crew person assists the IRB driver
when operating an Inflatable Rescue Boat
. It is a position that is sometimes referred to as being equivalent to a "human bullbar" due to their primary job in adding weight to the front of the boat to 'punch' through waves. Additionally, IRB crew persons must maintain the balance of the boat to enable fast turns as well as facilitate the rescue part of the service, including lifting patients into the water as well as swimming with a rescue tube
.
Training usually is conducted over a number of weeks and at least 20 hours of training must be obtained before the final assessment can be sat. Training involves both theory and practical work. The practical work involve learning how to move around the IRB when the driver steers, patient pick up then returning the patient safely back to shore, "punching" waves, signals and holding the IRB steady before and after the IRB has left the shore for the driver.
The crewman must also carry out responsibilities given to him by the driver. Such duties could be: placing and removing ancillary equipment pre- and post-IRB use, washing sand out of the IRB, as well inflating and deflating the IRB.
competitions. In addition to their traditional roles as outlined in the Duties section, they must also keep the boat steady prior to the commencement of the race, or in between rescues during the 'Mass Rescue' competition event.
IRB driver
In IRB racing, The IRB driver is in control of the boat, and is responsible for the boat and the crewperson up front. Not only does he have to look after the crew, himself and the boat, he has to concentrate and judge the surf. The driver's job is mentally challenging and it requires extreme...
when operating an Inflatable Rescue Boat
Inflatable Rescue Boat
Inflatable Rescue Boats have been used for all forms of surf rescue, retrieval, and service by Surf Lifesaving in New Zealand and Australia since the late 1980s.-Overview:...
. It is a position that is sometimes referred to as being equivalent to a "human bullbar" due to their primary job in adding weight to the front of the boat to 'punch' through waves. Additionally, IRB crew persons must maintain the balance of the boat to enable fast turns as well as facilitate the rescue part of the service, including lifting patients into the water as well as swimming with a rescue tube
Rescue buoy
A rescue buoy or rescue tube is a piece of lifesaving equipment used in water rescue. This flotation device can help support the victim's and rescuer's weight to make a rescue easier. It is an essential part of the equipment that must be carried by lifeguards...
.
Assessment
For a lifesaver to obtain their IRB Crew-persons award, they must first be a minimum of 15 years of age and hold a Bronze Medallion award.Training usually is conducted over a number of weeks and at least 20 hours of training must be obtained before the final assessment can be sat. Training involves both theory and practical work. The practical work involve learning how to move around the IRB when the driver steers, patient pick up then returning the patient safely back to shore, "punching" waves, signals and holding the IRB steady before and after the IRB has left the shore for the driver.
Duties
While in the water, the crewman's job is to help keep the IRB balanced by shifting their bodyweight while the IRB is being turned. During large surf, the crewman must also move to the front of the IRB and "punch" the wave to help prevent the IRB from flipping, if it does flip both he/her must help the driver and rollover the IRB. The crewman must also carry out the patient pickup if somebody is in trouble and then look after the patient in the boat while the driver returns to shore.The crewman must also carry out responsibilities given to him by the driver. Such duties could be: placing and removing ancillary equipment pre- and post-IRB use, washing sand out of the IRB, as well inflating and deflating the IRB.
Racing
IRB crew persons are essential during IRB racingIRB racing
Inflatable Rescue Boat Racing, is a surf sport where local surf lifesaving club teams race Inflatable Rescue Boats under competitive conditions...
competitions. In addition to their traditional roles as outlined in the Duties section, they must also keep the boat steady prior to the commencement of the race, or in between rescues during the 'Mass Rescue' competition event.