A Givealittle page set up to support the family of Hamish Rieger has raised more than $13,000 in 24 hours.
Hamish was swept off the rocks near the blowhole at Moturiki (Leisure) Island by a wave on Saturday evening.
The page had fundraised over $13,300 this morning.
Read more: 'We'll always remember Hamish'
Warning to stay out of Bay of Plenty surf
On Saturday, just hours before his death, Hamish was out on patrol when he treated a 5-year-old child who had been stung by a bluebottle jellyfish.
Jamie Troughton, spokesman for the Rieger family, said Hamish did a full day's patrol on Saturday.
"He was out there all day looking after everyone else, which sums him up."
Mr Troughton said Hamish was a "great young kid" and an integral part of the Mount Maunganui Lifeguard Service.