Coastguard Tautiaki Moana is celebrating another successful Big Swim campaign, with thousands of New Zealanders taking to the water throughout June to help raise a remarkable $642,761 in support of the charity's volunteer search and rescue service.
Returning for its third year, The Big Swim challenged participants to set a personal swimming goal for the month and rally support from friends, whānau and colleagues, with every dollar raised helping the more than 2,000 Coastguard volunteers continue their lifesaving work across Aotearoa's oceans, lakes and rivers.
Throughout June, individuals, families, schools, workplaces, and swimming clubs could be seen embracing the challenge, with participants of all ages and abilities completing everything from lunchtime pool laps to ambitious harbour crossings and icy dawn swims, with every kilometre helping make a real difference.
A total of 3,121 swimmers from around the country signed up for this year's challenge, making it the biggest Big Swim yet by participant numbers.
The Big Swim 2026 highlights include:
- Robyn Beers-Bekedam (Rotorua), a brain bleed survivor with hemiparesis, who successfully swam 20kms and raised $1,830.
- Vicky Jones and Julie Wiltoshire (Christchurch), two sisters who swam 20kms each to thank the Coastguard after surviving two terrifying rescues 30 years apart.
- Grant McClean (Dunedin), who braved a freezing cold swim across the Otago Harbour, raising $2,500 in the process.
This year's top individual fundraiser was Louise Orton, who took part in The Big Swim for the second year and pledged to swim 25km throughout June in memory of her late partner, who drowned in a snorkeling accident in 2024.
“Honouring the memory of my late partner Dan Allen is all the motivation I need to participate in the Big Swim,” Louise says.
“Dan was a genuine supporter of the Coastguard, always calling in when we went out on the boat, and advocating for the important service they provide, so New Zealanders can enjoy our ocean and lakes and waterways with confidence. Coastguard is more than a search and rescue service – they’re there every day to help ensure small mishaps don’t become life-threatening situations.
“Last year I raised nearly $7,000 through the Big Swim and finished third on the leaderboard. To top the leaderboard this year is a testament to what Dan meant to our family and friends who have supported me on both occasions. Every time I jump in the water for a swim, it makes me feel close to him, and gives meaning to the wonderful life lived, and the partner, father, son, brother and friend that we lost.”
Coastguard Tautiaki Moana Chief Executive Carl McOnie says this year's campaign demonstrates that, even in challenging economic times, New Zealanders continue to back causes that matter.
"We know households across the country are feeling immense financial pressure, which makes this year's result all the more meaningful. To see more than 3,000 people commit their time, energy and fundraising efforts in support of Coastguard is something we're incredibly grateful for."
Funds raised through The Big Swim help ensure Coastguard crews have the vessels, equipment, training and operational support they need whenever New Zealanders need assistance on the water.
With around 60 percent of Coastguard Tautiaki Moana's funding coming from public donations and fundraising, campaigns like The Big Swim remain vital to ensuring volunteers can continue responding to emergencies on the water, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
As fundraising continues to roll in, Coastguard Tautiaki Moana is thanking every participant, donor and supporter who helped make this year's Big Swim another success.
"Over the past month we've seen thousands of Kiwis challenge themselves in and around the water, while sharing some incredibly personal reasons for taking part," McOnie says.
"Those stories are at the heart of what makes The Big Swim so special, and we're incredibly proud to have such a passionate community standing behind Coastguard."
The Big Swim will return next year, offering Kiwis another chance to sign up, set their goals and dive in for a cause that saves lives.
