The Australian Lifesaving Boat Emergency Rescue Training (ALBERT) program, which is now in its sixth season aims to bring together the Inflatable Rescue Boat community to ensure their skills remain sharp on this most iconic of rescue equipment.
From its Far North Coast beginnings the program continues to spread throughout the state each season with sessions in Forster, Tathra, and of course Garie.
Over the weekend more than 60 lifesavers, 15 Inflatable Rescue Boats, two jet skis, and a drone made their way to the Royal National Park to participate in the two-day-program.
The purpose of the program is to encourage members to develop their skills in driving and crewing the IRB, promote closer cooperation between clubs and engage in scenario training.
“It was a highly successful weekend despite the challenging conditions, and what is most pleasing from our perspective is some of the bigger clubs are getting involved,” said Leanne Manning ALBERT administrator.
“The weekend brings an end to our out-of-area courses this season but we’re looking forward to seeing more growth in 2019.
“Sharing knowledge and working together is the aim of the program and we would like to thank hosts Garie and the Sydney Branch for their support in promoting the course,” she said.
On the first day of the program most participants were able to get on the water however that changed with the tougher conditions on Sunday.
“I’ve been a driver for a while now and they were some of the toughest conditions that I have experienced,” said ALBERT Head Coach Damien Woods.
“It’s important that we have these weekends as the participants gain knowledge and techniques that they can take back to their clubs.
“The IRB community is small and many do choose to also do racing as well during the season, but it’s a very friendly and welcoming group of people. That’s why programs such as ALBERT are so important and eagerly awaited,” he said.
Wednesday 28 November 2018