4th All Japan Lifesaving IRB Championship Held in Kesennuma, Otake Surf Lifesaving Club Wins Again

The Japan Lifesaving Association (JLA; Takuya Iritani, Chairperson) held the 4th All Japan Lifesaving IRB Championship on Sunday, May 17, 2026, at Odanohama Beach (Kesennuma City, Miyagi Prefecture).

'Safety Workshop' Essential to IRB Competitions

The championship implements a safety workshop for participating competitors and officials to ensure safe IRB competition. This workshop involved not only athletes and referees but also the event management team. The goal was to ensure everyone, regardless of their role, holds common safety principles. Participants were seen taking photos of displayed materials during the training, which has previously covered risk-related topics.

'Equipment Inspection' Conducted Before Racing

Equipment inspections for all teams were conducted before the competition in accordance with pre-published criteria. Teams failing to pass the inspection are deemed to have equipment anomalies and are disqualified from racing. Drivers were also required to present their Small Vessel Operator's License and insurance certificates for the IRB boats used.

Competition Level Increased Across All Teams

This year saw a record-high of 12 participating teams. Notable debuts included the Amanohashidate Lifesaving Club from Japan and the Hong Kong China Lifesaving Team from abroad. A total of 9 events were held, including 8 gender-specific races and 1 mixed-special event. Held at Odanohama Beach for the second consecutive year, the event was supported extensively by the local club, Kesennuma Lifeguard. On race day, the Kesennuma City tourist character 'Hoya-boya' cheered on the participants during the opening and awards ceremony.

Drone aerial photography was conducted with the cooperation of the JLA Rescue and Lifesaving Headquarters' Drone Patrol Committee.

Morning qualifying races selected the top 6 teams for afternoon finals. The top three overall finishers were Otake Surf Lifesaving Club, Nishihama Surf Lifesaving Club, and Makinohara Lifesaving Club. Amanohashidate Lifesaving Club showed excellent discipline by finishing all races without disqualification in their debut, while the Hong Kong China Lifesaving Team completed their debut match in Japan.

Otake Surf Lifesaving Club secured their second consecutive overall championship. While Otake and Nishihama were tied at 64 points, Otake won based on the rule that 'teams with more first-place finishes in individual events are ranked higher'—Otake won 6 out of 9 races. Nishihama displayed a well-balanced performance, placing in the top three in all events.

Winners by Category

- IRB Race (Women): Nishihama Surf Lifesaving Club Team A - IRB Race (Men): Otake Surf Lifesaving Club Team A - IRB Rescue (Women): Nishihama Surf Lifesaving Club Team A - IRB Rescue (Men): Nishihama Surf Lifesaving Club Team A - IRB Rescue Tube (Women): Otake Surf Lifesaving Club Team A - IRB Rescue Tube (Men): Otake Surf Lifesaving Club Team A - IRB Mass Rescue (Women): Otake Surf Lifesaving Club Team A - IRB Mass Rescue (Men): Otake Surf Lifesaving Club Team A