Coastguard Tautiaki Moana is calling on Kiwis to get in the water this June, with The Big Swim back for its third year raising funds for the volunteers who respond to marine emergencies around the country.
The challenge is straightforward: set a swimming goal for the month, whether that’s a few laps at the local pool or an open-water distance, then gather sponsorship from friends, family, and colleagues as you go.
Money raised goes to Coastguard Tautiaki Moana and its 2,000 volunteers, who respond to calls for help on oceans, lakes and rivers around the clock, every day of the year. During the peak boating season from Labour Weekend 2025 to Easter 2026, those volunteers attended 1,460 incidents and brought 3,668 people home safely.
Last year’s campaign set a high bar. Some 2,581 swimmers covered a combined 29,511km and raised $644,360 for the Coastguard, nearly double the inaugural event in 2024. Among them was Auckland swimmer Louisa Orton, who completed 20km in memory of her late husband and to thank the volunteers who tried to save him after he drowned.
Coastguard CEO Carl McOnie says the growth has surprised even the organisation itself.
“What’s been really special is seeing so many people, from first-time swimmers to seasoned pros, getting involved and helping raise vital funds to support our hardworking volunteers. Every dollar raised helps fuel and maintain our rescue vessels, supports essential equipment, and ensures our volunteers are trained and ready to respond when needed.”
Around 60 percent of the Coastguard’s funding comes from public support, making events like The Big Swim central to keeping the service running.
Registrations are open at bigswim.org.nz.
