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Surf Life Saving South Australia held its 2025 Awards of Excellence in June recognising incredible contributions, commitment and passion over the last season across a wide range of areas.

The Innovation Of The Year award was secured by Quick Release Tie Down Mechanism (Goolwa SLSC) with finalists including 7Brighton Jetty Classic Environmental Decisions (Brighton SLSC); New Nipper Instructional Videos (Glenelg SLSC); and IRB Hull Racking System (Somerton SLSC)

The Quick Release system was born from a need for faster, safer access to rescue boards on ATVs. In 2018, during a rescue at Goolwa where boards were tied down with multiple knots, rescuers experienced unnecessary stress and delay.

Recognising the risk, Matt and Damion Burrage began researching how clubs, locally and interstate, secured their equipment and discovered no consistent or safe standard. Traditional methods were not only time-consuming but also prone to failure in emergencies and contributed to equipment damage.

Over six patrol seasons, and in collaboration with Goolwa SLSC members, the Burrages developed a simple, cost-effective solution: a one-handed, quick-release system that eliminates knots, worn straps, and metal clips. The breakthrough came from exploring sailing hardware, ultimately leading to the use of an Olive shockcord clet - adaptable to any vehicle, affordable and strong enough to withstand high speeds and winds.

Now in use on Goolwa’s two rescue boards and spinal board, the system has significantly reduced response times. After a double rescue in March this year, members commended the efficiency of the new system.

Image. Credit: Surf Life Saving South Australia

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