Arancia Rescue Boat Boat Name

Overview

Inshore Rescue Boats (IRBs) are used by lifeguards to reach casualties in the surf quickly and safely. Their speed and agility make them ideal for responding to incidents close to shore where waves and breaking surf can make rescues challenging.

IRBs are typically operated by a crew of two. One crew member acts as the helm, responsible for navigating and controlling the boat, while the second crew member focuses on locating, assisting and recovering casualties from the water.

Lifesaving Features
Speed

When someone is in trouble at the beach, every second matters. Inshore Rescue Boats (IRBs) can be launched quickly and are capable of powering through breaking surf at speeds of up to 26 knots, allowing lifeguards to reach casualties rapidly.

The boat is launched and recovered from a trailer, enabling quick deployment from the beach when an incident occurs.

Manoeuvrability

Inshore Rescue Boats are designed specifically for rescues in the surf and close to shore, including areas around rocks, cliffs and caves where larger rescue vessels cannot easily operate.

The craft is light enough for two people to launch, yet strong and stable enough to operate in heavy surf conditions. IRBs also perform well in shallow waters such as estuaries, making them a valuable asset that complements larger lifeboats operating further offshore.

The boat is constructed from Hypalon-coated fabric, an extremely durable synthetic rubber. Beneath the removable floorboards sits a keelson tube, which tensions the hull to create a shallow V-shaped profile. This design allows the IRB to maintain excellent speed, stability and manoeuvrability even in difficult conditions.

Safety

Safety is a key feature of the Inshore Rescue Boat. The 30hp outboard engine is fitted with a propeller guard, helping to protect swimmers and prevent debris from fouling the propeller.

Crew members use footstraps positioned between the inflatable tubes and keel to maintain stability and control while operating in rough surf.

Each IRB carries essential rescue equipment including:

A rescue tube secured to the boat for casualty support

First aid kit for immediate treatment

A grab bag containing swim fins and a survivor lifejacket

The boat also includes stowage bags in the bow, carrying equipment such as a mooring rope, flares, night-time search equipment and a searchlight to assist during emergency operations.

Efficiency & Effectiveness

First introduced for surf lifesaving in New Zealand in 1979, Inshore Rescue Boats have become a vital rescue tool used by lifeguard and search-and-rescue organisations across the world.

Their combination of speed, manoeuvrability and reliability makes them one of the most effective craft for responding to incidents in the surf zone.

Technical Specification

Crew: 2

Survivor Capacity: 5–6 people

Maximum Speed: 26 knots

Range / Endurance: Approximately 20 nautical miles

Length: 3.88m

Beam / Width: 1.73m

Weight: 165kg

Fuel Capacity: 20 litres

Engine: 30hp outboard engine with propeller guard

Construction: Hypalon-coated inflatable fabric

Communication

Crew members use a handheld VHF (Very High Frequency) radio to maintain communication with the Coastguard, other rescue assets and shore teams. This allows the crew to coordinate the rescue, provide updates on the situation and request additional assistance if required.

Operational Use

Inshore Rescue Boats (IRBs) are primarily used by lifeguards to reach casualties quickly in the surf zone, where speed and manoeuvrability are essential for an effective rescue. Their design allows them to operate safely in shallow water and breaking waves close to the shore.

Rescue Water Craft Jet-Ski Name

Overview

Rescue Jet Skis (also known as Rescue Water Craft – RWC) are used by lifeguards and rescue teams to reach casualties on the water quickly and efficiently.

This fast and highly manoeuvrable craft allows rescuers to respond rapidly to incidents further offshore or in areas that may be difficult to access by other rescue boats. Rescue Jet Skis are particularly effective for reaching people in difficulty on personal watercraft, small boats, or swimmers in distress.

The craft is typically operated by a trained helm, who is responsible for navigating and controlling the jet ski safely, often supported by a rescue sled attached to the rear. This allows casualties to be recovered from the water and transported safely back to shore while the operator maintains control of the craft and manages the rescue.

Lifesaving Features

Speed

When someone is in trouble on the water, every second matters. A Rescue Jet Ski (RWC) allows rescuers to respond quickly, reaching casualties much faster than many traditional rescue craft. These powerful machines can travel at speeds of up to 50–60 knots, allowing trained operators to rapidly cover large areas of water when searching for or responding to incidents.

The jet ski can be launched quickly from a trailer or shoreline launch point, enabling a rapid response to emergencies along the coast or in nearby waters.

Manoeuvrability

Rescue Jet Skis are extremely manoeuvrable and are well suited to operating close to shore, around small craft, and in areas where larger boats may struggle to access. Their agility allows rescuers to safely navigate through waves, shallow water, and busy boating areas.

The craft is designed to operate effectively in a range of conditions and is commonly fitted with a rescue sled at the rear. This allows casualties to be recovered from the water and transported safely back to shore while the operator maintains control of the craft.

Safety

Rescue Jet Skis are operated by trained and qualified volunteers who are experienced in water rescue and craft handling. Safety equipment carried on the craft typically includes lifejackets, communication equipment, throw lines, and first aid supplies.

The rescue sled provides a stable platform for recovering casualties from the water and allows them to be transported safely while remaining supported. Operators are trained to approach casualties carefully and manage rescues in a controlled and safe manner.

Efficiency & Effectiveness

Rescue Jet Skis are now widely used by lifeguard and search and rescue teams around the world due to their speed, agility, and reliability. They provide a highly effective rescue platform that complements other rescue assets, helping teams respond quickly to incidents and support those in difficulty on the water.

Technical Specification

Crew: 1

Survivor Capacity: 1–2 (using rescue sled)

Maximum Speed: Approximately 55–60 knots

Range/Endurance: Approximately 80–100 nautical miles (depending on conditions)

Length: 3.35 m

Beam/Width: 1.22 m

Displacement/Weight: 326 kg

Fuel capacity: 70 litres

Engine: Yamaha TR-1 Marine Engine

Construction: Fibreglass reinforced hull

Communication

The operator carries a handheld VHF (Very High Frequency) radio to maintain communication with HM Coastguard, other rescue teams, and shore personnel during incidents. This ensures clear communication when locating casualties, coordinating rescues, and requesting additional support if required.

Operational Use

Rescue Jet Skis, also known as Rescue Water Craft (RWC), are used to reach casualties quickly in open water and coastal environments. Their speed and manoeuvrability make them ideal for responding to incidents involving swimmers, paddleboarders, small craft, and personal watercraft users.

Fitted with a rescue sled, the jet ski allows casualties to be recovered from the water and transported safely back to shore while the operator maintains control of the craft. Rescue jet skis are widely used by lifeguard and search and rescue teams as a fast and effective response asset.