Women in Powercraft 2026: Building Skills, Confidence and Capability
The 2026 Women in Powercraft Program, delivered by Surf Life Saving South Australia, has wrapped up as a resounding success, empowering female powercraft operators across the state.
Run across two action-packed weekends, the program provided participants with the opportunity to develop critical lifesaving skills through either IRB Crew or Silver Medallion IRB Driver pathways. The program continues to play a vital role in addressing the underrepresentation of women in powercraft. A total of 14 participants completed qualifications across the two pathways, earning either their IRB Crew or Silver Medallion IRB Driver awards and strengthening patrol capability across South Australia.
Sincere thanks are extended to the Geoffrey Evans Trust for its generous support in funding this initiative, helping make the program possible.
Training was conducted across two locations, with Port Elliot Surf Life Saving Club hosting the first weekend and Goolwa Surf Life Saving Club hosting the second. A sincere thank you to both clubs for generously providing their facilities.
The success of the program would not have been possible without the dedication and expertise of the training and assessment team. Their commitment to developing participants’ skills and confidence was evident throughout.
Trainers:
Hayley Hosking
Cassie Wilmot
Cacilia Ewenz
Mandi Bedford
Kristi Bedford
Makayla Roberts
Assessors:
Cacilia Ewenz
Mandi Bedford
Cassie Wilmot
Ian Grant
Equally important were the Support Drivers, who ensured efficient operations throughout the program and maximised participants’ time on the water to practise their new IRB skills.
Support Drivers:
Chelsea Frost
Michael O’Sullivan
Layla Woods
Rosemarie Domingues
This program also highlighted the incredible collaboration between clubs, with equipment and support generously provided by:
Aldinga Bay Surf Life Saving Club
Seacliff Surf Life Saving Club
Moana Surf Life Saving Club
Goolwa Surf Life Saving Club
Port Elliot Surf Life Saving Club
Chiton Rocks Surf Life Saving Club
Whether through supplying IRB equipment or storing gear for fellow clubs, this collective effort showcased the strength and unity of the surf lifesaving community.
Most importantly, congratulations to all participants who committed to the program. Their enthusiasm, resilience, and willingness to step outside their comfort zones made the event a success.
Participants:
IRB Crew
Abby Miller
Summer Radcliffe
Eliza Zampatti
Harriet North
Jacqueline Goss
Tillie Zeitz
Silver Medallion IRB Driver
Matilda Heneker
Sandra Conroy
Kate Crawley
Samantha Howe
Leila Nazimi
Ewa Poczman
The 2026 Women in Powercraft Program stands as a powerful example of collaboration and capability building, strengthening the future of female participation in surf lifesaving powercraft operations.
