Boat training pays off for dedicated lifesavers

Smith’s Beach Surf Life Saving Club continues to grow from strength to strength.

Probationary Inflatable Rescue Boat (IRB) trainers Shane Mickle, Cam McEvoy, Carl Wheeler and Tim Allingham, – under the guidance of Tony Snelling (Bunbury SLSC) and Garry Williams (Secret Harbour SLSC) – put six club members through their paces, all successfully earning their “crewing award” for the red IRBs that have been an integral part of Surf Life Saving since 1972.

The group undertook 40 hours of rigorous training and are now looking forward to using the boats to assist on local beach patrols, provide water safety support for Smiths 190 nippers and help at community events, including next month’s Busselton Jetty Swim.

The newly qualified ‘crewies’ are now well versed in using the IRBs to perform rescues, undertake searches and navigate the ocean in a variety of conditions.

The Club’s new trainers will soon be putting the next group of club members through their paces with a second course commencing in February.