SLSA Wales – Australia 09
In late February a delegation from SLSA Wales visited Australia to reinforce existing links, share ideas and best practices and develop new links with Lifesavers in Australia. The delegation was mainly made up of members of the Powercraft Commission with also representation from the Youth Commission.

We were mainly based in the New South Wales area but did spend a few days in Queensland as we were invited to an IRB conference in Hinchinbrook, Queensland as guests of Achilles Boats.

The delegation was made up of Chris Parry, Kevin Thomas, Gary Bradford & Rhys Meecham from the Powercraft Commission and Mike Allen from the Youth Commission. 

After a few initial days in South Curl Curl acclimatizing we visited Cobia Boats in Wollongong who are involved in the production of Achilles Surf Rescue Boats.

We also visited Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter Greater Sydney Region headquarters and Surf Life Saving Australia HQ in Bondi before heading off to Swansea Belmont for the NSW Titles.

We spent a total of 4 days at the titles in the IRB compound and on the water with Surf Life Saving New South Wales Powercraft. Hopefully they enjoyed our company as much as we enjoyed theirs.

We then flew to Townsville for a few days R&R in tropical Queensland before heading back to Sydney prior to our return to Wales.

The Surf Life Saving Association of Wales would like to thank the following organizations for their help, assistance and friendship shown to us during our stay in Australia.

South Curl Curl Surf Life Saving Club
Graham Bursill of Achilles Boats
Cobia Boats, Huskisson NSW
Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter Greater Sydney Region
Surf Life Saving Australia
Surf Life Saving New South Wales - Powercraft
Kracka Surfcraft
Avoca Surf Life Saving Club
Bill Bursill and the staff of Hinchinbrook Marine Cove
Avalon Surf Life Saving Club Bennett Surfcraft

December 4th - It was with great pleasure that SLSA Wales played host to Warren Mitchell 'the Father of the IRB' on Saturday November 29th.

Warren played a key role in the development of the IRB in Auatralia and at the forefront of it becoming the rescue craft that it is. Warren regaled us with his philosophy on Life Saving, Rescue Boat Development and the Future of the IRB.

What was interesting was his proposals for the use of Jet Packs! Sky Way launching systems and flotation systems.

After the presentation of an IRB shirt and a fantastic talk the group then moved to a local hostelry for refreshments and to watch Wales play Australia. A game suitably enjoyed by all.

It was our pleasure to host Warren and to invite him back to next years training events, an invite that we hope he will take up so that more people may have the pleasure of both his company and his knowledge.

October 22nd, 2007 - Compressors bring new meaning to Blow Up Boats

This can happen when the boat is over inflated and then punctured. Please take care when inflating your boats with compressors!

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