Find your crew – support your community by becoming a volunteer with Coastguard Tautiaki Moana

Otago, June 24, 2024 - It takes a crew to save a life, with over 2,000 highly trained and skilled Coastguard volunteers ready to respond to calls for help day or night. With more Kiwis than ever enjoying life on the water, we’re on the search for new talent to ensure we can continue our lifesaving mahi long into the future. 

Coastguard Tautiaki Moana Volunteer Manager Jacqui Arnold said it doesn’t matter whether you’re a seasoned boatie who ventures out every weekend or someone who wants to stick closer to shore, there is a role for you with Coastguard. 

“Across diverse roles, backgrounds, and communities, our volunteers come together as one inclusive whānau, reflecting the Aotearoa we know and love,” she said. 

“Volunteering for Coastguard is more than just our on-water assistance. We have amazing shore crews from our radio operators to training coordinators whose efforts enable us to bring people home safely.” 

Over the last year, Coastguard volunteers in Otago contributed a massive 11,510 hours, with 743 hours exclusively dedicated just to incidents. They responded to 57 incidents and assisted 70 people to get back home safely.   

“Our volunteers embody compassion and camaraderie, willingly exchanging the comfort of home or paid jobs to lend a helping hand when it's needed most,” Jacqui said. 

This year, in the Otago region, our Units are seeking: 

Queenstown:

• Rescue Vessel Volunteer 
• Marketing Volunteer  
• Shore Crew Volunteer 

Clyde:

• Rescue Vessel Volunteer

Wānaka Lakes:

• Radio Operator

To learn more about volunteering with Coastguard and to apply to your local Unit, check out our dedicated volunteer website - https://volunteers.coastguard.nz  

ENDS 

For more information, contact: 
Ben Parsons 
Coastguard Tautiaki Moana Senior Communications Advisor 
[email protected]