Volunteer lifesavers and surf clubs from across the state are preparing to embark on the Gotcha4Life 24 Hour Row for mental fitness, keeping their rowing machines moving for 24 hours straight.
The annual event, now in its ninth year, attracts teams from all over the country to take part and will see locals, families, lifesavers, heroes, celebrities and politicians getting involved.
Kicking off at 12pm AEST on Saturday 12 September and finishing 12pm AEST Sunday 13 September, participants take turns for the entire 24-hour period to keep their team’s rowing machine running non-stop to raise funds for lifesaving mental fitness programs which support their communities.
The 24 Hour Row raises funds for mental fitness foundation Gotcha4Life. With a vision of zero-suicides, Gotcha4Life delivers empowering and educational mental fitness programs and workshops in communities.
The Story Behind the Initiative
In 2017, after a loss that shook their community, members of Avalon Surf Life Saving Club climbed onto rowing machines and rowed through the night for their mates.
Nine years later, that single club’s response to tragedy has grown into Gotcha4Life’s 24 Hour Row for Mental Fitness – a nationwide relay bringing thousands of people across Australia together to build connection, community and the everyday skills that help us navigate life’s ups and downs.
Teams across Australia will once again take turns on rowing machines over 24 hours, supporting one another through every kilometre while raising vital funds for Gotcha4Life. Surf Life Saving NSW, a proud partner of the Row since its inception, is once again rallying its surf clubs and communities behind the event.
The growing support from the surf lifesaving community reflects a shared belief in the role of sport and community in bringing people together and helping people stay connected through whatever life throws their way.
Two-time Olympian, Australian surf boat champion, long-time surf lifesaver and 24 Hour Row Ambassador Georgie Rowe said anyone could take part, regardless of their rowing experience.
“You don’t have to be a rower to be part of this. It’s about showing up for your community, having conversations you might not otherwise have and knowing that every kilometre helps someone else build the skills to navigate life’s ups and downs,” she said.
Funds raised through the 24 Hour Row support Gotcha4Life to develop and deliver prevention-focused mental fitness programs and resources that help people build the everyday skills and habits to connect, adapt and ask for help so no one has to worry alone.
Gotcha4Life founder Gus Worland said the support of surf lifesaving communities showed the power of coming together.
“When state and national bodies in the surf lifesaving community all back what we’re doing, it tells you people are ready to show up for each other. You row for your mate when they’re tired, and they row for you. That’s mental fitness in action,” he said.
Last year, teams across Australia raised close to $600,000, helping bring mental fitness workshops to 12,000 people and bringing together people of all ages and backgrounds around a shared cause.
To register a team or support a local fundraiser, visit 24hourrow.com.au
Wednesday 9 September 2026