Sunday, 14 October 2018 saw the launch of the club’s new IRB, named in honour of club legend and Life Member, Bernie Howard. Bernie has been a patrolling member for over two decades and at one stage was one of only two qualified IRB drivers at the club. Having clocked up over 1000 patrol hours and still going, Bernie is also a familiar face at assessments, officiating at carnivals and at the club bar on a Sunday afternoon. The new IRB is a fitting honour to Bernie’s commitment and service to the club.
The “Bernie Howard” IRB was generously donated to the club by club sponsor, Crystal Pools who have been supporting the club since 2015. Their sponsorship has enabled the club to purchase four new Yamaha motors, three new fuel cells and the new IRB.
Not only do the IRB service as rescue craft, accounting for 12% of rescues nationally in 2017/18, but they do countless water safety hours at local, state and national carnivals and support local events such as the Pool to Peak swim.
Our IRB drivers and crew are all looking forward to taking “Bernie” for a spin very soon!