The Government has announced Surf Life Saving and Coastguard will receive a funding boost of $63.644 million over four years in the upcoming Budget.
Transport Minister Simeon Brown said $44 million of the funding will go to Surf Life Saving and $19 million to Coastguard.
Funding will cover operational expenses for both organisations and rescue equipment, facilities and maintenance amid rising costs.
The funding for Surf Life Saving will contribute to lifeguard training and gear, beach and coastal safety initiatives, as well as maintaining and upgrading lifesaving club buildings.
For Coastguard, the funding injection would go towards four new bases, personal protective equipment, critical marine communications equipment and the continued provision of emergency call-out rescue services for recreational boat users that get into trouble out on the water.
"Heading to the beach for a day of fun in the water is part of the Kiwi way of life, particularly in summer. With that comes inherent risk and these frontline organisations do critical work to help ensure people can head home safe," the Government said.
"This funding will ensure that Surf Life Saving New Zealand and Coastguard New Zealand can continue to deliver water safety services and save lives, and keep up their efforts to reduce New Zealand’s high drowning toll on the water and beaches."
It comes as New Zealand grapples with tragically high drowning tolls.
According to Water Safety New Zealand, there have been 30 drownings this year to date and there were 90 preventable drowning fatalities in 2023.
"This Government is committed to investing in these frontline organisations so they continue their work saving hundreds of lives each year and ensuring thousands of people return home safe after a day at the beach or on the water," Associate Transport Minister Matt Doocey said.
"Our Government is investing in the frontline and New Zealanders can expect to see more of that in Budget 24, as well as tax relief for low-and-middle-income workers."
Watch the full Government announcement below. If you can't see it on your Newshub app, click here.
