Surf Life Saving New Zealand has launched a nationwide push to recruit 1,000 new volunteers over the next three years, warning that current numbers aren’t keeping pace with demand.

The campaign calls for around 600 new surf lifeguards, 100 patrol supporters, and 300 volunteers in administration and support roles such as equipment maintenance, governance, and fundraising.

CEO Steve Fisher says volunteer numbers have plateaued while more people are heading to the beach each summer.

“Every rescue, every patrol, every piece of equipment maintained is thanks to the generosity of people giving their time. But volunteer numbers have plateaued while the number of people heading to our beaches continues to grow. That puts enormous pressure on existing members and ultimately impacts community safety.”

The need is especially acute in places like Auckland’s west coast beaches, the Coromandel, Taranaki, Hawke’s Bay, and the South Island’s west coast.

Without more hands on deck, some regions may face reduced services.

For Coasties, the message is close to home.

With rising visitor numbers across the Hibiscus Coast, local patrols rely on volunteers to keep the community safe.

SLSNZ stresses that not every role requires elite swimming ability, and anyone with a few hours to give can make a difference.

“The message is simple: it takes a community to save a life,” Fisher says.

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