For the 15th consecutive year, the Lifesaving Institute (ISN) received 30 VW Amarok vehicles destined for patrolling the beaches of the Portuguese coast during the upcoming bathing season of 2024, along with two units of the 100% electric ID. BUZZ.
This delivery is part of the project called “SeaWatch,” resulting from the partnership between SIVA|PHS and ISN, through their Amarok pick-ups, which ensure surveillance in bathing areas where there are no lifeguards, being a key asset in the rescue of beachgoers, with over 18,000,000 kilometers traveled. All made possible thanks to the more than 420 vehicles provided by VW over 15 years of partnership.
As in previous years, the Amarok vehicles are properly equipped and prepared for surveillance operations, featuring supports for emergency equipment, rescue boards, stretchers, emergency lights, and an external automatic defibrillator that complements the basic life support equipment.
The 30 Amarok vehicles will be distributed among the captaincies of Caminha, Viana do Castelo, Póvoa de Varzim, Vila do Conde, Leixões, Douro, Aveiro, Figueira da Foz, Nazaré, Peniche, Cascais, Lisbon, Setúbal, Sines, Lagos, Portimão, Vila Real de Santo António, Ponta Delgada, Horta, and Porto Santo.
“SeaWatch is a project in which SIVA|PHS believed in from the beginning, in 2011, when we started with 14 vehicles, 15 years later, we managed to be present with more than double the number of vehicles, distributed throughout mainland Portugal and islands, playing a crucial role during the bathing season, showing the commitment and dedication of SIVA/PHS and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles in this project that makes us so proud”, refers Ricardo Vieira, General Director of VW Commercial Vehicles.
BP Portugal remains associated with the “SeaWatch” project by supplying fuel and offsetting the carbon emissions of the rescue vehicles. The carbon emissions calculated from the fuel consumed during the bathing season will be offset through the “BP Target Neutral”, the brand’s international carbon management program.
