Ampol is continuing its commitment to Australia’s volunteer lifesavers, providing 12 successful surf life saving clubs across the country with a new Inflatable Rescue Boat (IRB) hull to support lifesaving capability, training and emergency response.
Now in its fifth year, the Ampol IRB Hull competition has significantly grown, reflecting the importance of reliable rescue equipment to Surf Life Saving Clubs and the communities they serve.
The 2026 recipients represent clubs from six states, with four clubs in New South Wales, two in Queensland, Victoria and Western Australia, and one each in South Australia and Tasmania.
The clubs receiving a brand-new IRB Hull through this year’s giveaway are:
• Bondi Surf Bathers Life Saving Club (NSW)
• Kiama Surf Life Saving Club (NSW)
• Urunga Surf Life Saving Club (NSW)
• Pambula Surf Life Saving Club (NSW)
• Yeppoon Surf Life Saving Club (QLD)
• Pacific Surf Life Saving Club (QLD)
• Mildura Life Saving Club (VIC)
• Mentone Life Saving Club (VIC)
• Broome Surf Life Saving Club (WA)
• Trigg Island Surf Life Saving Club (WA)
• Henley Surf Life Saving Club (SA)
• Clifton Beach Surf Life Saving Club (TAS)
First introduced in the 1970s, the IRB has become a familiar and highly versatile tool for lifesavers. Its speed and manoeuvrability allow trained crews to respond quickly to people in difficulty, while also supporting patrols, surveillance, training and other emergency operations.
Surf Life Saving Australia CEO, Adam Weir said the partnership with Ampol was helping clubs to invest in equipment that directly supports the work of volunteer lifesavers.
“Every day, volunteer lifesavers across Australia give their time to protect others, and having the right equipment is fundamental to that work.
“These 12 IRB hulls will give recipient clubs another important resource to support their patrol operations, training programs and emergency response capabilities.
“What makes this initiative particularly valuable is its reach. From major metropolitan beaches to regional and remote communities, these clubs play an important role in keeping people safe in and around the water.
“We thank Ampol for continuing to invest in our clubs and congratulate the 12 recipients on being selected in 2026.”
Ampol Chief Brand and Customer Officer, Jenny O'Regan said:
“Our annual donation of this essential rescue equipment is a continued source of pride for Ampol and the Ampol Foundation.
“Delivering long lasting impact and support to these 12 deserving Surf Life Saving Clubs speaks to the importance of community safety as a key pillar of the Ampol Foundation.
“As thousands of volunteer lifesavers gear up for the summer months, Ampol is firmly behind Surf Life Saving Australia and their mission of zero preventable deaths in Australian waters.”
The new IRBs will be put to work by clubs with a range of local needs and operating environments, helping support the next generation of lifesavers while enhancing the capability of experienced volunteer crews.
Ampol’s support for Surf Life Saving Australia extends beyond equipment, with fundraising activity through the Ampol Foodary retail convenience network also supporting lifesaving initiatives.
Funds raised will contribute to specialised training and skills development for volunteers, including advanced lifesaving, coastal and remote rescue, emergency response, flood and swift-water rescue, and specialist rescue training for abalone divers.
The combined investment in equipment, training and capability helps Surf Life Saving Clubs prepare their volunteers to respond to emergencies both on the coastline and in challenging environments across Australia.
For further information, please contact: