Subaru has the ambitious goal of zero traffic accident fatalities by 2030, but before that happens, the automaker teams up with the Japanese Lifesaving Association for zero waterside accidents – at least in the Land of the Rising Sun. The collaboration started in 2020 and continues this year with a total of 32 specially-prepared Subaru vehicles for surveillance and rescue activities on Japan’s shores.
Short videos on YouTube highlight the “Subaru Life Saver Car” which is based on the Forester. The SUV is used for beach patrols, safety guidance, and rescue missions. The videos are not exactly new, but Subaru shared them again this year to highlight the expansion of the fleet. The first film is focused on the highlights of the vehicle while the second one shows us more of the Baywatch-style team.
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The special livery of the Forester combines yellow and red graphics with the Subaru and JLA emblems on the bonnet. In this particular “Surf Lifesaver” SUV, a Thule roof rack holds a surfboard and other equipment.
Inside, the seats have special waterproof covers, while the rubber floor mats and boot cover are easy to clean from the sand. More importantly, the vehicle comes equipped with portable Automated External Defibrillators, devices that diagnose life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias and help first responders with their lifesaving duties.
The SUV is the only vehicle appearing in the films but West Kyushu Subaru recently showed photos of a special Crosstrek. The crossover has a similar livery and the same equipment features (Thule rack, seat covers, and rubber floor covers), and has already started operating in the Nagasaki Prefecture.
Besides the specialized vehicles, Subaru is also sponsoring seminars in Japan held by JLA instructors to train more lifesavers and raise awareness.
