The NSW inflatable rescue boat (IRB) Premiership pits crews against each other from the length of the coast, and Pacific Palms is hosting its first meet in two years.

Saturday will be the second round of the championship and, with four in total, competition points are precious.

Forster SLS Club will enter teams in the men’s, women’s, masters and under 23 divisions.

The hosts don’t have any entries, but Pacific Palms IRB captain Rod Williams said league leaders Caves Beach will be one of the clubs to watch.

“They’ve dropped off a bit, but they used to the best,” he said.

“Kiama Downs should go well in pretty well all the categories, and the lads at Catherine Hill Bay go all right.”

Pacific Palms president Kel McCredie said the sport, which blends boat racing and surf lifesaving, is fan-friendly.

“Spectators can be assured of thrills and spills galore,” he said.

“With round one already completed at Ocean Beach on the Central Coast, crews will be keen to get into the day’s racing program to secure points in the premiership.”

Events range from the simplest rescues – with a driver positioning the boat so a crewman can haul aboard the ‘patient’ – to the mass rescues – where several trips are made to rescue more than one patient.

“It’s designed to enhance driving and crewing skill,” Williams said.

The IRB Premiership Pacific Palms starts 7am Saturday at Elizabeth Beach.