IRB History book

RNLI is pleased to announce a new book called “Break Through: How the Inflatable Rescue Boat Conquered the Surfâ„¢ produced with support from Surf Life Saving Australia.


RNLI is pleased to announce a new book called “Break Through: How the Inflatable Rescue Boat Conquered the Surf’ produced with support from Surf Life Saving Australia.

The book charts the history of the IRB, which had its origins on the north coast of Cornwall, England and was inspired by the RNLI D-class lifeboat.

The idea was taken back to Australia by Warren Mitchell a visiting lifeguard who went on to develop the craft now used by the RNLI as part of its national Lifeguard service, thus the story comes full circle.

Rear Admiral John Tolhurst, Chairman of the RNLI Operations Committee recently presented a copy of Break Through to HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, the patron of Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA) and Surf Life Saving Great Britain at an event celebrating the 100 year anniversary of SLSA, held at Australia House, London.

Books will be available for sale at the World Water Safety Conference in Portugal and can be ordered from Amazon UK.