This manikin was developed with the co-operation of Surf Life Saving Australia as a water rescue manikin for General Surf Rescue, IRB Racing, IRB driver training & Tube Rescue practice. After two years of development, several prototypes, and extensive testing they were delighted with the result. During the testing, the manikin was also found to be suitable for Jet Ski rescue training and other general rescue scenarios.

For IRB driver training you can now train year-round, in the roughest surf, close to the reef, and in the coldest weather to practice those fast pick-ups as many times as you like. This manikin never complains about the cold water, the aching arms, and the sore shoulder or jaw from when the rescuer slightly misjudged the pick-up! These manikins will provide uniformity in the size and weight of casualties being rescued, an important factor in competitions.

The problem for many SLS clubs is to find enough willing volunteers to act as a patient for General Rescue or IRB rescue teams for practice, especially during the colder months - consequently, skill development suffers. Inflatable Rescue Boat (IRB) competitions/training aims to:

• Allow crews to demonstrate their techniques and abilities to perform rescues.
•  Bring crews together to discuss and improve IRB techniques and operations.
•  Promote safety awareness techniques for the crew and patients in simulated rescue scenarios.

WHO USES THEM? Lifeguards and the IRB Racing community. The dummy attaches to the 'can' using a webbing leash with a velcro connection.  The leash attaches around the neck of the dummy.  As you grab the dummy with your arm through the dummies arms the velcro releases and you drag it into the IRB. The weight you are hauling is the dry weight of the dummy plus the water that has ingressed into the dummy, ~ 40+ kg Once in the IRB, the water runs out of the dummy and quickly returns to about 20kg which makes for reasonably easy weight management.

The orange overall is made of polyurethane-coated polyester which is resistant to saltwater.  Polypropylene webbing is stitched to the overall in all high-stress points. Beneath the overall, the carcass is a tough nylon mesh, as used in our standard water rescue dummy which has been used by NATO military rescue dummies for years.