The vehicles are used as part of the annual “Seawatch” project, which sees qualified Navy specialists working to protect the public through lifeguard actions, off road rescues and first aid.


During 2018, project Seawatch carried out 342 interventions, which resulted in the rescue of 51 holidaymakers, first aid for 271 cases and led to 20 successful searches for lost children.


Since the beginning of the project it is estimated that the vehicles have covered some 280,000km over bathing season, especially on unmanned beaches, contributing to more than 1,600 life saving rescues in Portugal.


Created in 2011, the Seawatch project is the result of a partnership between the ISN, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, Volkswagen Financial Services and the brands dealers to promote safety on beaches in Portugal.