Sport
13 June, 2025
Inflatables hit the water
WARRNAMBOOL’S cool and challenging conditions tested the skills of entrants in the Victorian Inflatable Rescue Boat Championships last weekend.
The event, which attracted entries from across the state, once again drew the interest of a large group of spectators who were keen to watch all the action from the beach.
According to Warrnambool Surf Life Saving Club director Ben Pennington, high winds and rain saw the cancellation of both the Sunday and Monday programs, however, the Saturday program was completed.
“Unfortunately, the weather was against us on the last two days but we did get through the under 23 program on Saturday,” Pennington said.
“The carnival was round five of the series, with the finals to be contested in Angelsea on June 21.”
The state titles see teams compete across a variety of events, including mass rescues, tube rescues and team events.
“It’s certainly a great spectator sport during winter but the wind can make it dangerous for the inflatables and teams.
“We have the equipment for this type of competition but unfortunately not the experience so there were no Warrnambool teams competing on the weekend.
“But it was great to be able to host the round; it always attracts a lot of families which is great.”
The event was one of five huge sporting competitions held over the King’s Birthday long weekend, attracting more than 1700 athletes to Warrnambool.
Along with the rescue boat championships, sporting enthusiasts also had the chance to watch the Warrnambool Pickleball Open, the BMX Coast to Crater Clash and a short-course swimming competition at Aquazone.
