Branch chief executive officer Rhonda Scruton has ordered 10,000 yellow rubber ducks, ready for surf clubs and Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service’s annual Ducks4Dollars .

This year will be the first time the branch has sold the ducks.

Ms Scruton said she decided to sell the ducks at the branch to help surf clubs buy life-saving equipment.

“We’re such a great team. The people who patrol the beaches are all volunteers,” she said.

“They are the guardians of the surf and help people, but sometimes they need help too.”

Last year, the fundraiser raised $80,000 and Ms Scruton said she hoped more would be raised this year.

“Every time someone buys a duck, it’s like they are saying thank you to our volunteers and that they appreciate all the work they do.”

The duck race will be on Australia Day, January 26 at Queens Wharf foreshore, Newcastle.

The owner of the winning duck receives $3000, second $1000 and third $500.

Businesses are also encouraged to get behind the fundraiser by buying a corporate red duck for $100.

Prizes for the winning corporate duck include a behind-the-scenes tour of Taronga Park Zoo, a Moonshadow Cruise at Port Stephens for 10 people and a Newcastle Knights corporate box for 10 at a home game.

Ducks can be bought from Hunter Surf Life Saving branch, phone 4961 4533, Hunter Surf Life Saving clubs, the helicopter base at Broadmeadow, Hunter Westpac branches and on the day at Queens Wharf.