- Gear & equipment
Gear & equipment
In this section
Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA) oversees the responsibility of lifeguarding gear and equipment through a sub committee administered by the National Board of Lifesaving. This sub committee (Gear and Equipment) is responsible for testing and approving new items of lifeguarding (and lifesaving) equipment. The Australian Lifeguard Service is represented on this sub committee by three state lifeguarding representatives.
This page is designed to keep you abreast of any gear and equipment news and trials that may be of interest to you in your role as a lifeguard. If you’re interested in keeping up-to-date then check back often to see the latest innovation or update designed to make your job easier and safer.
Latest gear and equipment news
May 2009
Following the National Board of Lifesaving meeting held in February 2009, the equipment listed below has been approved for use by all lifesaving clubs and services.
Evinrude 25hp E-TEC motor
This engine is a 2 stroke, fuel injected outboard motor for IRB use. The latest in marine outboard technology, it boasts low fuel usage, low emissions, low maintenance and a 1 year warranty. Distributed by BRP; SLSA’s preferred powercraft supplier. NB: Approved prop guards will not be available for this motor until July 2009
Seadoo GTI 130 RWC
A 4 stroke sit down jet-ski, the Seadoo is a leader in its field and a popular choice for other leading commercial rescue operators. Distributed by BRP; SLSA’s preferred powercraft supplier.
NB: Only services approved by their respective state centres may purchase this equipment
Bobcat 2200 4x4 ATV
The operator-friendly 2200 4x4utility vehicle features IntelliTrak®, the industry’s first fully automatic and on-demand four wheel drive system.
Mid Coast Marine 380 Class 2 IRB
Class 2 (Rigid Hull) 380 inflatable rescue boat for patrol use.
Neann Surf Lifesaving First Aid Kit
Specifically designed for surf lifesaving use, the Neann first aid kit features multiple storage compartments, a water resistant case and is easy to carry and transport.
MCM 21L Triangular Fuel Bladder
The 21L triangular fuel bladder for use in IRBs is developed by Mid Coast Marine.
Oxy-Life and Oxy-Pro
The Oxy-Pro (soft case oxygen resuscitation kit) and the Oxy-Life (stainless steel oxygen resuscitation kit) are both developed by Medical Developments International. Both kits are supplied with CPR resuscitation mask, regulator with 0, 8 and 15 litres of oxygen per minute, Bodok seals, adult disposable BVM with size 5 and 3 face masks, adult and child therapy masks with 2 m of oxygen tube, cylinder key wheel and chain, gloves, oropharyngeal airways (90mm and 80mm) and the nominated carry case.
Kracka rescue board
A light weight, full length rescue board made to fit the SLSA specifications
Achillies Carbon/Kevlar IRB Floorboards – For Class 3 IRB ONLY
The new technology floorboards boast a non-slip foam and shark skin surface and are half the weight of traditional fibreglass floors.
Light weight Oxygen Cylinder
A light weight oxygen bottle. The bottle holds the same amount of oxygen as a regular ‘c’ size cylinder but is made from carbon fibre material, making it light weight and easier to carry. Australian Standards approved.
Please note that the above equipment has been endorsed for lifesaving purposes only.
August 2008
The Board has recently approved the following equipment for use in lifeguarding:
- Honda Aquatrax F12 Jet Ski
- Yamaha VX700 Waverunner
- Achilles Class 3 IRB
Existing equipment – phase out of the single seat ATV
The Board has decided that a full phase out of single seat ‘All Terrain Utility Vehicles’ (quad bikes) from surf lifesaving activities through natural attrition or a MAXIMUM of 3 years. Going forward only the purchase of ‘All Terrain Side X Side Vehicles’ will be approved and will be the only approved type of ATV for use at this stage.
Reasons for this decision is that a side X side:
- Can carry more than one person seated, typically two but up to three.
- Has more storage space in terms of utility tray and racking / roofing space.
- Has improved safety due to roll cage, safety doors and passenger handles.
- Is arguably less susceptible to roll-over (more stability).
- Has a greater capacity / is better for towing.
- Is able to transport an injured patient either seated or on a stretcher.
Do you have a gear and equipment idea?
Have you got an exciting new piece of equipment that you would like to share with the gear and equipment committee for consideration for trial? Contact your lifeguard supervisor or manager with all the details!
