Isuzu D-MAX and MU-X on patrol

Avid beach-goers in Australia will soon spot a new wave of surf rescue and support vehicles making their way onto the sand. 

That’s because Isuzu UTE Australia has announced a three-year partnership with Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA) to introduce new support vehicles for the not-for-profit organisation that will serve as daily surf rescue patrol and support vehicles on our shores.

The Japanese car-maker only sells two models Down Under – the 2021 Isuzu D-MAX ute and the related 2021 Isuzu MU-X seven-seat large SUV – both of which will join the SLSA fleet.

“The essence of SLSA is ingrained in local communities and in protecting people across Australian beaches through patrols, training programs and education,” said Isuzu UTE Australia managing director Hiroyasu Sato.

“For Isuzu UTE Australia, there could be no better way of giving back than by supporting SLSA and the brave men and women who keep our beaches safe.”

Not only will the vehicles be used to patrol Aussie beaches over the next three years, Isuzu says they will travel the country, delivering important training and education to members.

SLSA president John Baker said it was the reputation for reliability and durability of the Isuzu D-MAX and MU-X that made them the pragmatic choice for SLSA – offering off-road capability, towing functionality and safety features, in a demanding environment, which makes them perfect for life-saving operations.

“Knowing that our life-saving equipment needs to be durable to last the challenging beach conditions and dependable when called upon by our surf life-savers, SLSA has turned to Isuzu UTE Australia, relying on the D-MAX Ute and MU-X SUV to serve as surf rescue patrol and support vehicles across the country,” Baker said.

“It is with the support of these vehicles and our partners like Isuzu UTE Australia that makes our mission in patrolling and protecting our beaches that much easier, allowing us to focus our attention to the safety of our beach-goers.”