FROM more than 640 entries were received across April and May, Inverloch Surf Lifesaving Club has won one of two brand-new Inflatable Rescue Boat (IRB) hulls made available by Surf Life Saving Australia and Ampol.

The only other club to get a new boat hull was Mudjimba Surf Life Saving Club in Queensland.

SLSA CEO Adam Weir says that the number of entries highlights the importance and need for vital equipment with the membership actively engaged in the opportunity to win a rescue craft.

“Congratulations to Mudjimba and Inverloch SLSCs and thank you to Ampol for continuing to help us power local Surf Life Saving Clubs and volunteers in supporting our communities,” Weir said.

“IRBs are a critically important resource for our frontline surf rescue capabilities that allow our people to respond and act efficiently and effectively, when protecting our coastline.

“All 315 Surf Life Saving Clubs around Australia would benefit from having this equipment, so I am not surprised by the number of entries. Thank you to every club person who submitted an application on behalf of their club, and again to Ampol for providing this valuable equipment.”

Ampol Chief Brand Officer, Jenny O’Regan, said: “We are proud to see our partnership with Surf Life Saving Australia break new ground with the delivery of these IRBs.”

“Safety and wellbeing are key focus areas of our community investment strategy, and I am pleased that this new infrastructure will make an important difference for the Mudjimba and Inverloch communities as we head toward the next beach patrol season.”

The announcement of the two winners came this week ahead of Day 1 of the 2023 SHARKSKIN Australian IRB Champs at Kingscliff in northern NSW which really turned on the conditions for competitors.