A Tauranga swimmer is pushing through early morning laps to support Coastguard New Zealand – and honour the memory of a young diver – as part of a nationwide fundraising challenge.

Swimming up and down the pool before dawn is nothing new for Tauranga mother-of-two Lucy Mullinger – but at 46, the challenge feels very different to her competitive swimming days.

“I used to be able to swim three kilometres, no sweat, when I was a competitive swimmer. But it’s been a while since then and I’m finding that 1.5km – 60 lengths – each morning is my sweet spot,” Mullinger said in a statement to SunLive.

She’s taking part in Coastguard’s ‘The Big Swim’, raising money for Coastguard Tautiaki Mana Aotearoa New Zealand – a cause close to her heart after the organisation helped her family decades ago.

“Our petrol ran out when we were out on the water in the 80s. Such a silly mistake, but we were sure we’d be stranded if it wasn’t for the Coastguard team.”

Funds raised will support the organisation’s 2000 volunteers, who respond to emergencies across the country’s oceans, lakes and rivers year-round.

Between Labour Weekend and Easter 2026, Coastguard responded to 1460 incidents and brought 3668 people home safely.

Lucy Mullinger swims daily as part of Coastguard’s Big Swim fundraiser with ‘Team Dan Allen’.

Mullinger joined ‘Team Dan Allen’ as part of the nationwide fundraiser, created in memory of her partner’s cousin, who died in a diving incident at Bland Bay in Northland.

The team was formed by Allen’s partner, Auckland lawyer Lou Orton, who said the challenge is both a tribute and a way to support a cause he valued.

“We’re taking part in Coastguard’s The Big Swim, challenging ourselves to swim great distances in the pool and the sea to celebrate Dan and his love of the water, and to raise funds for a cause that meant a lot to him,” Orton said.

The seven-member team has raised more than $2800 towards its $3500 goal and plans to swim a combined 102km during June.

To donate or learn more, visit Team Dan Allen – Coastguard – The Big Swim 2026 or scan the QR code below.