Wednesday 1 July
Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA) is proud to partner with Ampol, powering surf life saving clubs across the country with the launch of the 2026 Ampol Inflatable Rescue Boat Hull Competition.
Now in its fifth year, the Ampol IRB Hull Competition plays an important role in supporting clubs nationwide, equipping them with upgraded, essential rescue equipment and strengthening lifesaving capability on Australian beaches.
Following a significant uplift last year – increasing from two IRB hulls to twelve – the 2026 competition will once again give clubs the opportunity to secure a brand‑new IRB hull, ensuring volunteers across the country have the functional equipment they need to keep their communities safe.
"Ampol is proud to continue what has become a yearly initiative to donate this essential rescue equipment to 12 deserving surf life saving clubs across Australia," Ampol Chief Brand and Customer Officer Jenny O'Regan.
"We want the impact of our partnership with Surf Life Saving Australia to be long lasting, all while supporting their mission of zero preventable deaths within Australian waters.
"Community safety is a key pillar of the Ampol Foundation, and that includes supporting the thousands of volunteer lifesavers who ensure the Australian coastline remain safe throughout the summer months."
The IRB has been a critical innovation in surf lifesaving since the 1970s and remains a vital piece of equipment for rescues, patrols and surveillance on Australian beaches each season.
Surf Life Saving Australia CEO, Adam Weir, said the ongoing partnership with Ampol continues to make a meaningful difference to clubs and communities across the country.
"Inflatable Rescue Boats (IRBs) are an essential piece of rescue equipment for our clubs, and ensuring our volunteers have access to reliable, modern equipment is vital.
"Ampol's continued support through the IRB Hull Competition means more clubs can upgrade their rescue fleet and strengthen their ability to protect their local communities. Their investment in recent years has enabled dozens of clubs to improve their capability.
"We're grateful for Ampol's commitment to surf lifesaving and we're extremely pleased to launch the competition together once again this year."
Ampol's support has delivered brand-new IRB hulls to clubs nationwide, with last year's competition rewarding clubs across Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, Western Australia, Tasmania, South Australia and the Northern Territory.
The 2026 Ampol IRB Hull Competition is open from 1 July 2026 – 2 September 2026.
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