Yamaha has thrown its support behind the Australian Professional Ocean Lifeguards Association (APOLA) with a range of sponsorship initiatives designed to back the dedicated lifesaving work of this national organisation.

APOLA operates throughout Australia and has a membership base of some 600 elite, professional lifeguards.  And as the name implies, the lifeguards patrol some of Australia's most popular beaches under the control of various local councils.

"What we undertake at APOLA is both honourable and highly visible to the community," said Terry McDermott, PR Manager for APOLA. 

"The products that we use, like Yamaha WaveRunners and their Rhino vehicles, ultimately save lives." 

"Through our new sponsorship arrangement with Yamaha we are better equipped and better trained to provide the highest standard of lifeguarding at the beaches we patrol."

Yamaha's sponsorship of APOLA is multifaceted, and includes unique areas highly rated by APOLA members.  At the annual APOLA national conference, Yamaha provided a range of WaveRunners for the APOLA members to evaluate and provide feedback.

"To their credit the Yamaha people have taken on board our input," Terry McDermott said.   "We have been using Yamaha WaveRunners for a number of years and the technical support, member training and back up from Yamaha has been absolutely first rate."

APOLA's association with Yamaha took a giant stride forward with the release of the WaveRunner FX High Output model this year.

"This model really hit the sweet spot for our professional lifeguard requirements," Terry McDermott beamed.  

"This PWC from Yamaha we believe is the best in the business for emergency rescue response and general beach management.  It is ultra reliable and for us that is an attribute for which there is zero margin for compromise.   We need to be able to hit the key and power away every time."

As an organisation, APOLA has resolved to run with only the very best product.  The Yamaha WaveRunner FX HO is the right size, the right power, the right speed and can tow a sled through the surf with up to six people gripping the handles.

"The WaveRunner really comes into its own when the surf gets up to 2 and 3 metres or more.  In these conditions the PWC with rescue sled has no equal to reach people quickly and save them from drowning."

The WaveRunner FX HO has a four-stroke four-cylinder engine that displaces 1.8 litres. The vehicle features an EFI induction system for rapid starts and absolute fuel efficiency.  In standard trim the FX HO is a three person model, but in surf rescue situations, it has the power and buoyancy to tow numerous people to safety.

Yamaha has a long and envious record of supporting surf lifesavers across Australia.   The sponsorship of APOLA extends Yamaha's involvement to now encompass career and professional lifeguards.

"The work that is undertaken by APOLA and their members is extraordinary by any measure," said Iain MacLeod, National Sales Manager for Yamaha WaveRunners.

"We are proud to be associated with APOLA and support them in their exceptional work.  APOLA is committed to taking the job of lifeguarding to an entirely new level and we fully support them in their quest."