The development of IRBs and their use in the beach surf environment started in Australia in the ‘70s with the efforts of Warren Mitchell . Almost by coincidence, John Speight and his wife Chris who had emigrated to NZ where they were building inflatable sports boats, were invited to build a surf rescue craft for local trials. Their efforts have resulted in the SLS standard IRB, the Arancia 3.8 Used internationally, loved by its crews and respected by fellow rescue professionals, the Arancia, matched with a lightweight 30hp 2 stroke outboard, provides a fantastic blend of speed, manoeuvrability, flexibility and rescue capability. It will support 25 swimmers in a mass rescue situation or speed along the shoreline in calf deep water, enabling rapid response to any situation. Take the engine off and the hull can be used as a stretcher in a spinal injury situation.
If you have the time and interest, the book “Break Through” by Edward Wake-Walker (ISBN 978 1 857570 88 5) details the story of the IRBs development and is a great read.
The current Saunton IRB setup arrived in North Devon after a small group went to Teignmouth to take part in a training weekend organised by one of Devons’ SLS stalwarts, Ian “Oggy” Palmer. The weekend was a great success, resulting in 4 crewman qualifications. A further course soon followed and with qualified coxs’ and crewmen, Devon SLS kindly agreed to allow the region IRB to fall under Sauntons’ stewardship.
More qualifications soon followed, providing our current suite of examiners, instructors and crews.
Over the last 3 years, IRB competition has been reintroduced to the UK. This has provided a strong incentive for the competitive clubs to join in and we continue to help other North Devon clubs to gain a foothold in this rewarding arena.