Surf Life Saving Queensland Magazine
Surf Life Saving Queensland Magazine
SUPPORTING LIFESAVERS WITH AUSTRALIAN-BUILT IRBS THUNDERCAT INFLATABLES:
Thundercat Inflatables has long been an important part of the Surf Life Saving Queensland family, supplying high- quality inflatable rescue boats (IRBs) built specifically for the demanding conditions faced on our beaches. Hand-built by skilled craftspeople in Australia, Thundercat’s IRBs are known for their strength, stability and speed — three qualities every IRB crew relies on when every second counts. These boats are designed to handle heavy surf, fast-moving water and long patrol days, making them a trusted piece of rescue equipment across Queensland clubs. Brent Breebaart, Thundercat’s Operations Manager, said the company’s commitment to local manufacturing plays a big role in the performance and reliability of their craft. “Our GEN III Spec craft was developed specifically for Australian surf lifesaving requirements,” he said. “We build to an extremely high standard, using unique knowledge of what crews may face on patrol and in rescue situations.” Quality You Can Trust on Patrol Every Thundercat IRB is constructed with durable materials and goes through integrity testing and inspection during and after production. The team also offers an extended warranty on fabric and seams, giving clubs confidence their craft will stand up to the demands of a busy season. From training new IRB crews to supporting major rescue missions, Thundercat’s boats are built to meet the realities of lifesaving operations. Brent says this focus on quality is central to the company’s purpose: “Our craft give confidence to surf lifesavers so they can provide lifesaving support to those in the water.”
Improved by Feedback From Those Who Use Them Most Thundercat doesn’t just supply equipment — they work closely with Clubs to understand what IRB drivers and crew need on the beach. “We’re continually looking at ways to improve our craft based on feedback and requirements from Surf Clubs and Surf Life Saving Australia,” Brent said. This close connection with Clubs allows them to adapt quickly to changing needs, something international suppliers may struggle to match. A Shared Focus on Safety and Community Brent says the most rewarding part of their work is knowing the boats they build directly support lifesaving teams across the state. “Knowing that we are part of a team that saves lives is our continuing favourite moment,” he said. Thundercat’s support doesn’t end at delivery. Their team remains available to assist clubs with repairs and maintenance to ensure IRBs remain safe, reliable and ready for patrol. With a shared focus on safety, performance and community, Thundercat Inflatables continues to play a vital role in supporting Queensland lifesavers and protecting our coastline.
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