It's out with the old and in with the new at Corrimal Surf Life Saving Club.

The small northern suburbs club scored a new inflatable rescue boat (IRB) - and not a moment too soon.

Corrimal SLSC president Tony Cartwright said the previous "rubber ducky" was on its last legs.

"Our 15-year-old boat was at the end of its serviceable life," Cartwright said.

"It required regular maintenance and really was in bad shape, so it was vital that we got a new one.

"It's in use every weekend from October to May and has to be maintained for the remainder of the year to enable us to assist with marine search and rescue activities."

Donated by Corrimal Leagues Club, the new IRB is named after Corrimal SLSC life member Ross MacDonald.

"Ross has served both our club and Surf Life Saving Illawarra over many years as a patrolling member, competitor, administrator and instructor," Cartwright said.

"He's a special bloke, very generous, and really deserves the honour of having his name on our IRB.

"We're only a small club and each year is a struggle to raise the money necessary to keep us running.

"We are so grateful to Corrimal Leagues Club for their generosity.

"Having state-of-the-art rescue equipment helps keep swimmers at our beach safe and helps us attract and retain members."