Latest news with #TheBigSwim
Otago Daily Times
12-07-2025
- Sport
- Otago Daily Times
Swimming 182km for the coastguard
Waitaki Seals (from left) Anjelica Matapo, Joy Hay, Judith Stanley, David Quinn and Margo Marshall swam a combined 182km as part of The Big Swim during June. Absent: Lois Slattery. PHOTO: NIC DUFF A group of Waitaki residents hit the pool for a good cause last month. The Big Swim is a nationwide fundraiser for the Royal New Zealand Coastguard where individuals or teams set themselves a target of how far they can swim throughout June, while the public sponsors them. The Waitaki Seals team, consisting of Anjelica Matapo, Joy Hay, Judith Stanley, David Quinn, Margo Marshall and Lois Slattery, raised $6811 during the month. It was the fourth-largest amount raised by a single team in the entire country. Collectively, the six swam more than 180km. Waitaki Aquatic Centre was a "partner pool" meaning it allowed those taking part to swim for free. More than 2500 swimmers across the country took part to raise nearly $650,000 for the coastguard. There were a handful of others from the Waitaki district who took part in their own teams.
Otago Daily Times
19-06-2025
- Climate
- Otago Daily Times
Coastguard vollie takes the plunge
Coastguard Queenstown president Johnny Quinn and fundraising volunteer Sarah McGuinness. PHOTO: SUPPLIED A passionate Coastguard Queenstown volunteer's taking the plunge to raise $1000 for the organisation. Sarah McGuinness is part of the marine search and rescue organisation's June challenge, 'The Big Swim', in which she's aiming to swim almost 5km in the local Alpine Aqualand pool. Then, subject to also meeting the fundraising target by tomorrow, she'll complete her 5km during the Southern Lakes Swimming Club's winter solstice swim this Saturday in Lake Whakatipu's Frankton Arm, starting 8am. It's quite a challenge for McGuinness, given she's just had, two months ago, her ninth operation for a dislocated knee. "I used to be a competitive swimmer back in my teenage years, but it's a very long time since I've swum any distance, and certainly not in the lake." She joined Coastguard Queenstown about two years ago, originally in marketing and fundraising, and is now training to be a qualified crew member. "I'm just so passionate about the work they do, it's saving lives but it's also all the training and community education that goes with it." Her fundraising profile's — money raised from 'The Big Swim' goes towards boats, training, lifesaving gear and education. Meanwhile, local Coastguard president Johnny Quinn urges people to watch out for hypothermia over winter — "it's something that can creep up on you really quickly". He's delighted the organisation's taken delivery of a $48,000 thermal imaging camera, making it easier for crew to spot people in the water when it's dark or foggy. The Rotary Club of Queenstown contributed $4000 through its last duck race.
Otago Daily Times
28-05-2025
- Sport
- Otago Daily Times
Cantabrians urged to take on big swim
Coastguard Tautiaki Moana is calling on Cantabrians to dive into action this June for a cause that saves thousands of lives across New Zealand. The Big Swim, a nationwide challenge to raise money for the Coastguard, will return for its second year from June 1. Participants set their own swimming goals, whether that's a few lengths or a more ambitious distance. They are encouraged to ask friends, whānau, and colleagues to sponsor their efforts and raise funds for Coastguard. Along the way, swimmers can unlock rewards as they hit fundraising milestones. Aidanfield swimmer Sarah Ridgway is pledging to swim 40km in The Big Swim, which is no mean feat for someone balancing full-time work with motherhood and family life. Ridgway said she sees it as an opportunity to return to swimming while raising money for a good cause. She grew up in the water – swimming, fishing and boating in Northland. But after moving to Canterbury, she and her husband, Kerry, bought a boat to explore and create new memories as a family around Lyttleton Harbour, Akaroa and Kaikōura. Although her husband was new to boating, he joined Coastguard Canterbury as a volunteer in 2021 to improve his boating education but also to give back - now volunteering weekly and loving it. His involvement has given Sarah renewed confidence and a sense of safety when out on the water with their kids. Ridgway plans to swim 10km a week at her local partner pool. Once a participant raises $100 they can enter a nearby Partner Pool for free throughout June. In its inaugural event held in July last year, 1266 swimmers logged more than 8000 swims, racking up over 14,000km and raising $350,000 for Coastguard. The Big Swim also boosts people's well-being. After the 2024 event, 79% of participants said they signed up to improve their overall health. More than half reported better mental wellbeing with others noticing improved sleep and better focus. Among those diving in this year is Cook Islands Olympic swimmer Kirsten Fisher-Marsters who is back in the pool for the first time since retiring in 2023. 'Once I heard about The Big Swim, it just felt like the perfect motivation to get back in the water, without the pressure,' she says. The Big Swim offers people of all swimming abilities the chance to challenge themselves for a good cause. She encourages anyone thinking about doing it to just start off small. 'Find a friend or go solo. Start with three lengths, then next time five, and so on. Set little goals and see how far you go,' she says. Coastguard acting chief executive Philip Harkness says hundreds of swimmers have already signed up. "This past summer, our volunteers responded to 1,232 incidents, bringing 3,210 people home to safety. Each participant's fundraising efforts helps keep our rescue vessels fueled and maintained, supports vital rescue equipment and volunteer training," Harkness said. Harkness said with 60% of Coastguard's funding coming from the generosity of the public, every dollar raised during The Big Swim makes a difference. Register for The Big Swim at
NZ Herald
13-05-2025
- Sport
- NZ Herald
Rotorua's Nicky Harris takes on Coastguard swim challenge after partner's drowning
Along the way, swimmers can unlock rewards as they hit fundraising milestones. In the inaugural event in July last year, 1266 swimmers logged more than 8000 swims, racking up over 14,000km and raising $350,000 for Coastguard. 'This is for Willy, and it's for our kids,' Harris said. 'They love fishing and boats just like their dad, and we want Coastguard to still be here for them and future generations.' Genefaas, 39, fell overboard near Whakaari/White Island in the early hours of July 25, sparking a major search effort led by Maritime NZ's Rescue Coordination Centre. The search involved Coastguard crews from Whakatāne and Ōpōtiki, police, Northern Rescue Helicopter, Search & Rescue Services Limited Helicopter and other boaties on the water. His body was recovered and returned to shore by Coastguard Whakatāne that afternoon. 'Willy just had so much respect for the water, and for Coastguard,' Harris said. Her team's participation in The Big Swim was a way to honour his legacy and show their appreciation of Coastguard. 'It certainly helped us as a family having him back with us, I think we would all be in a much worse state if not. 'Unfortunately, for the volunteers, it's not always just rescuing boats. Sometimes, tragically, it's about bringing loved ones home.' Harris' team has already surpassed their fundraising goal, raising more than $3700 by the end of April – well over the initial $2000 target. She is currently first on the national leaderboard for individuals, and second for the team – Suna's Team.
