Swimmers will brave the cold waters of the Whakatāne River this weekend as they take part in The Big Swim, a nationwide fundraiser supporting Coastguard New Zealand.

Coastguard volunteer Haze Toheriri is once again leading the local event, swimming from the Whakatāne Bridge to the Coastguard boat shed, a distance of about 4 kilometres, to raise money and awareness for the organisation.

The Big Swim encourages people across New Zealand to commit to a swimming challenge and collect donations from friends, family and supporters. Funds raised help Coastguard continue its volunteer rescue operations and maintain the equipment needed to keep people safe on the water.

Toheriri took part in the fundraiser last year and said he was keen to do it again despite the challenges that came with swimming in winter.

“I’m just as nervous this year as I was last year,” he said.

“It just adds an extra element to try and overcome.”

Last year’s swim took place on one of the coldest days of the year, making the challenge even tougher for those taking part.

This year, Toheriri will not be swimming alone. Several swimmers have already signed up to join him, while others are expected to take part in shorter sections of the route.

The event has been designed to cater to different abilities, with participants able to join at various points along the river rather than completing the entire 4km distance.

“If people want to jump in at the yacht club and finish with us, that’s wicked. If they want to start with us, that’s awesome,” Toheriri said.

“We welcome any support along the side of the river, or if people want to jump in a kayak or paddleboard and come down the river with the swimmers.”

Among those taking part is Anahera Hakiaha, who works with Whakatāne Learn to Swim.

Hakiaha said she had encouraged members of her team to get involved in the fundraiser, with several swimmers signing up to support the cause.

“We’ve managed to get team members involved in The Big Swim, and we’ll be fundraising together to raise money,” she said.

Hakiaha, who also took part last year, plans to complete the swim in her regular togs rather than a wetsuit.

“I’m using togs and Deep Heat. I did it last year, too,” she said.

“My point of view is that if I were to go out on a boat, I’m not really going to be wearing a wetsuit.”

She said Coastguard volunteers had made a lasting impression on participants last year through the care and support they showed after the swim.

“They really do genuinely care for the community,” she said.

Both Coastguard vessels will be on the water during the event, while volunteers walk alongside the river collecting donations and cheering participants on.

A barbecue will be held afterwards for swimmers and supporters.

The swim takes place on Sunday and the swim starts at 1pm, with organisers encouraging anyone interested in taking part and getting in the water to show up at 12.30 for a briefing.

They also invitee anyone interested to come watch form the riverside on the day.