A debate in the Swedish newspaper *Dagens Nyheter* highlights concerns over proposed changes to Sweden’s sea rescue system. The Sjöräddningssällskapet (Swedish Sea Rescue Society) argues a plan to transfer responsibility to the Coast Guard would dismantle a century-old, effective system. Authors Lars Samuelsson and Rolf Westerström emphasize the crucial role of dedicated volunteers in these operations. They contend these volunteers are not simply a resource the state can redeploy at will, but a vital component with specialized expertise. The proposed shift raises questions about maintaining rapid response times and overall maritime safety. The authors warn that weakening the current structure puts lives at risk, pointing to the recent incident off Tjörn as a stark reminder of what is at stake. They urge consideration of the potential consequences before implementing these changes.