GLENELG BEACH SECURES ANOTHER MAJOR SURF LIFE SAVING SPORTING EVENT

June 25: Adelaide's Glenelg Beach has been named the host venue for Surf Life Saving's 2011 Australian Inflatable Rescue Boat (IRB) Championships, which will be held from 29-31 July.

The Australian IRB Championships is one of the major events on Surf Life Saving's sporting calendar attracting more than 500 of the best surf lifesavers from around the country.

It's another win for Glenelg who last year were also named as one of the host venues for the World Life Saving Championships that will be held in 2012.

Surf Life Saving Australia CEO, Brett Williamson OAM, said Adelaide's reputation for hosting iconic Australian sporting events made it a natural choice for the IRB Championships.

"The Australian IRB Championships is one of Surf Life Saving's key national sporting events and we believe Glenelg will provide the perfect backdrop for the event.

"IRB competition forms an important part of the surf sports calendar as it is provides our surf lifesavers with the opportunity to refine their skills which in turn help us keep our beaches safer.

"This will be a great warm up event for us ahead of the World Life Saving Championships in 2012, which will also feature IRB racing along with other beach, surf and pool rescue events," said Mr Williamson.

The Australian IRB Championships in 2011 will be supported by Events South Australia and City of Holdfast Bay. 

"We're delighted that Adelaide will host the 2011 National Inflatable Rescue Boat Championships and I'm sure South Australians will embrace this exciting event," said Hitaf Rasheed, Events South Australia General Manager.

"The IRB Championships will showcase our wonderful coastline and will be another great addition to the State's thriving events calendar.

"The event will be great preparation and a way to build excitement ahead of Rescue 2012, the World Lifesaving Championships, which will be staged in South Australia in November 2012."

Mayor of the City of Holdfast Bay, Ken Rollond, said that it's a wonderful event.

"As Glenelg is Adelaide's favorite beach destination we are very proud to share our great coastline with the competitors and visitors of the Australian IRB Championships."

For more details on the Australian IRB Championships visit www.slsa.com.au