Kaitiaki of the Water
Coastguard Sumner: Your Lifeline on the Water
Dedicated to ensuring safety on the waters, our vessels are equipped and ready to respond to emergencies with precision and speed.
Swift Response
Our vessels are designed for rapid deployment, ensuring timely assistance in critical situations.
Advanced Tech
Equipped with state-of-the-art navigation and communication systems for efficient rescue operations.
Trained Volunteers
Our team of skilled volunteers is committed to providing expert assistance and support during emergencies.
OUR RESCUE FLEET
Coastguard Sumner operates three specialised rescue vessels — each chosen for speed, precision, and lifesaving power across Canterbury’s coastal waters.
Plus, the latest addition to the fleet is our drone, which has become an essential tool for coastline searches.
BLUE ARROW RESCUE
hamilton jet RESCUE
ian dewe RESCUE
all weather Vessel
Our flagship vessel. A twin-waterjet powerhouse designed for offshore and inshore missions, day or night. With cutting-edge HamiltonJet technology and agile electronic controls, it handles everything from cliffside recoveries to long-range medivacs. It’s the blueprint for the Sumner Class lifeboat.
V8 RESCUE JET BOAT
Compact, fast, and surf-ready. This single-jet V8 boat is built for inshore operations and excels in challenging surf conditions and close-quarters work near rocks.
It was the key rescue vessel in both the 2022 and 2025 Coastguard Rescue of the Year Awards presented to Sumner for outstanding rescue skills.
RESCUE JET SKI
Our nimble jet ski, perfect for surf rescues. With a deep-V hull and rescue sled, it’s stable, responsive, and ready to act.
The jet ski was generously funded by a bequest from former Sumner Lifeboat crew member Ian Dewe. Its tractor was funded by Southern Trust.
Together, these vessels give us full coverage — from beach break to open sea — so we’re ready for any emergency, any time.
sumner drone
A drone literally adds a whole new dimension to our searching. We have two professionallly qualifed P102 drone pilots, and are currently using two loaned drones for training and searches. We are seeking funding to purchase a high-spec drone for
long term use by our unit.
the specs
blue arrow rescue
Vital Statistics
– Make: Naval architect designed
– Length: (LOA): 12.45m
– Beam: 3.75m
– Draught: 0.6m
– Construction: aluminium
– Speed: 35 knots (normal service)
– Waterjet: twin HamiltonJet HJ322
– Engine: twin Cummins QSB 6.7litre diesels, 404kW (542bhp) @ 3300rpm
Hamilton Jet rescue
Vital Statistics
– Make: Naval architect designed
– Length: (LOA): 5.8m
– Beam: 2.38m
– Draught: 0.52m
– Construction: aluminium
– Speed: 30 knots (normal service)
– Waterjet: single HamiltonJet HJ213
– Engine: single 5.7l Marine Power V8 petrol, 240kW (325hp) @ 4800rpm
Ian Dewe Rescue
Vital Statistics
– Make: Sea-Doo GTX170 + rescue sled
– Length: 3.45m
– Beam: 1.25m
– Cooling System: Closed-loop (CLCS)
– Engine: 1,630cc petrol, 126kW (170hp) naturally aspirated
gallery
our team in Action
