Coastguards across the country will leap from 1000s of feet in a national effort to raise funds to help keep kiwis safe out on the water.

Among those skydiving for a cause, is 29-year-old deckhand Tilly Whitney from the Tauranga Volunteer Coastguard who jumped on board with the coastguard in June last year.

“I wanted to join because I love being on the water and being out on the ocean,” says Tilly.

“I just wanted to do something that helps the community, helps to keep people safe on the water and also to help educate people on water safety.”

Tilly says she was signed up to skydive by her crew, but is up for the challenge. “I love outdoor adventure activities so I thought this would be a really cool way to raise money for our unit.”

Her fundraising goal is $10,000.

“The funds will go towards our unit, especially in terms of equipment maintenance and upkeep. It will also be for getting new safety equipment, making sure everything’s up to date, as well as training which a lot of our money goes into.”

Tilly’s unit also has a new vessel needing to be loaded with top of the line gear.

Tilly will be making the leap Sunday, May 12, at Skydive Tauranga.

Keep the coast safe and donate today!

Visit the website or scan the QR code and donate directly to Tilly’s lifesaving leap, to support volunteer training, water safety education for all kiwis, and maintaining boats, equipment and safety gear.

Skydive.coastguard.nz/matilda-whitney