This June, New Zealanders will once again be encouraged to dive in and make waves for a great cause as The Big Swim returns for its second year. The nationwide swimming challenge, which invites Kiwis of all swimming abilities to raise funds for Coastguard, has already sparked enthusiasm across the country.
Whether you’re looking to tackle a few lengths or take on a bigger challenge, The Big Swim is all about pushing personal goals while supporting Coastguard, Aotearoa’s primary marine search and rescue organisation, which relies on over 2,000 volunteers to keep our oceans, lakes and rivers safe.
In its debut year, The Big Swim saw an impressive turnout, with 1,266 swimmers logging more than 8,000 swims, covering a distance of over 14,000km, and raising $350,000 for Coastguard – that’s no small feat! But this event is about more than just fundraising. It’s an opportunity to boost both physical and mental wellbeing. Last year, 79 per cent of participants said they signed up to improve their health, with more than half reporting better mental wellbeing and noticeable improvements in sleep and focus.
Among those returning to the pool this year is Olympic swimmer Kirsten Fisher-Marsters, who is making a comeback for the event and swimming for the first time since retiring in 2023. Having represented the Cook Islands at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Kirsten spent years chasing medals and milestones, but now, she’s hopping back in the water for a cause that’s close to her heart.
“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. Kirsten’s connection to swimming runs deep – her mum was a swim teacher, and with eight siblings, swimming was more than just a hobby, it was a way of life. She’s no stranger to the water, having spent 15 years as a professional swimmer, competing in the Commonwealth Games, World Championships and representing the Cook Islands on the world stage.
Since retiring and moving from Auckland to Hamilton, Kirsten admits that she’s been avoiding the pool for reasons many can relate to – insecurities and the fear of not being as fit as she once was. “I know that my body isn’t as fit as it used to be, and I don’t feel as confident in my togs as I once did… those are some of my fears. But I’m also proud of my body now because it got me to where I was wanting to be. Hopefully, it’ll carry me through a healthy and long life,” she says.
For Kirsten, The Big Swim represents more than just swimming; it’s an opportunity to reconnect with her passion for the water and to give back. “Swimming has been a big part of my life, but even after all my years in the pool, I’ve always had a lot of respect for the water. I know how quickly conditions can change in open water, and how easily you can get into trouble,” she says, emphasising the importance of water safety.
The challenge encourages people of all swimming abilities to participate and raise vital funds for Coastguard, which supports over 2,000 volunteers who respond to water emergencies across New Zealand. In the past summer alone, Coastguard volunteers responded to 1,232 incidents, bringing over 3,200 people home safely.
Kirsten is passionate about encouraging others to get involved, no matter their skill level. “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. It’s a great way to stay active, improve mental wellbeing and contribute to a life-saving cause.
Beyond the physical benefits, there’s also a social aspect that Kirsten loves about public pool life. “A part of me just wants to turn up for the chat and hope that somebody wants to chat too,” she says. “It always starts with a question like, ‘are you training for something?’ and then next time you’re excited to see that person again.”
The Big Swim is more than just a swim – it’s an opportunity to make a tangible difference. With 60 per cent of Coastguard’s funding coming from the generosity of the public, every dollar raised helps keep rescue vessels operational, fund volunteer training and ensure that rescue equipment is maintained.
“Being fit or strong doesn’t make you invincible, and in New Zealand, we’ve seen far too many people lose their lives to preventable drownings. It shouldn’t be this way,” Kirsten says.
Join Kirsten and thousands of Kiwis this June for The Big Swim. Together, we can make a difference and help keep our waters safe for all.
To sign up and start fundraising, visit bigswim.org.nz.
