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Pick your distance, rally your supporters and raise funds that save lives on the water, with Coastguard’s third annual challenge, The Big Swim.
Coastguard Tautiaki Moana is calling on Kiwis to take the plunge this June with The Big Swim, which encourages water lovers of all abilities to set a personal swimming goal for the month, whether that’s a few laps at the local pool or a more ambitious distance in open water. Participants then rally support from friends, whānau and colleagues, raising funds as they clock up their kilometres.
Money raised will help fund Coastguard, New Zealand’s primary marine search and rescue organisation, and the 2,000 volunteers who respond to urgent and non-urgent calls for help across the country’s oceans, lakes, and rivers 24/7, 365 days a year.
During peak boating season from Labour Weekend 2025 to Easter 2026, Coastguard volunteers responded to 1,460 incidents, bringing 3,668 people home to safety.
This year’s Big Swim initiative comes off the back of a record-breaking 2025 campaign, which saw 2,581 swimmers collectively cover 29,511km (the equivalent of swimming the length of the country’s coastline twice) and raised an impressive $644,360 for Coastguard, nearly doubling the funds raised at the inaugural event in 2024.
Kiwis across the country embraced the challenge, from the Leigh Swims team in Northland, who swam a whopping 623km and raised more than $25,000, to Auckland local Louisa Orton, who dedicated her 20km swim to the memory of her late husband, and to thank the volunteers who tried to revive him after he drowned.
In addition to fundraising, The Big Swim can also support physical and mental wellbeing.
Regular swimming improves cardiovascular health, strength, and flexibility, while the low-impact nature of the activity is gentle on joints. Participants in previous years reported improved mental health, better sleep and increased focus – showing the benefits extend well beyond the water.
Coastguard chief executive Carl McOnie says that it’s been incredible to watch The Big Swim build momentum year after year.
“Kiwis have always had a deep connection to the water, and The Big Swim is a great example of that connection being turned into action. 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,” he says.
With around 60 per cent of Coastguard’s funding coming from public support, initiatives like The Big Swim play a critical role in keeping Kiwis safe on the water.
Registrations are now open at bigswim.org.nz, where participants can sign up, set their goals and dive in for a cause that saves lives.
How The Big Swim works:
• Participants choose how far they want to swim, whether it’s a few lengths or a bigger challenge.
• Fundraise for Coastguard by inviting friends, whānau, and colleagues to donate.
• Along the way, participants will unlock rewards as they hit fundraising targets – turning their swim into a fun challenge with extra motivation!
• People who want to support Coastguard without sponsoring a specific swimmer can make a direct donation via The Big Swim website here.
