Providing an opportunity for every child to be safe in and around water
Swim For Charlie
Dr. Charles van der Horst Water Safety Initiative
Swim for Charlie is equipping second-grade students across North Carolina with life-saving water safety skills.
Now in its fourth year, the program serves students from Durham Public Schools and Orange County Schools. In 2025 alone, 1,465 students participated, bringing the total number of children reached since the program’s inception to 3,612 – representing 27 schools and 8 host pools.
Looking ahead, Swim for Charlie aims to expand into additional North Carolina school districts, making water safety education accessible to even more second graders across the state.
Swim with us in 2025!
Volunteer to teach children to swim
No certification or experience required.
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Currently recruiting Volunteers for the 2025 – 2026 Academic School Year for sessions beginning in September 2025 after Labor Day weekend, and continuing through May 2026.
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For information on our program including how to apply to be a Volunteer Swim Instructor click here.
A FORCE FOR GOOD
In his actions as a social justice activist, caring clinician, medical researcher, Public Health crusader, and philanthropist, Charlie was involved in many activities benefiting vulnerable populations.
In keeping with Charlie’s values, his love for swimming, and interest with youth, Charlie’s fellow swimmers and friends, inspired by his actions, have formed a nonprofit charitable organization in his name to make children safer in and around the water.
Drowning is one of the leading causes of death in children
No child is ever water safe. The goal of swim lessons is to make children SAFER in, on, and around water.
- 10 people drown each day in the United States
- 80-100 near drownings occur daily in the United States
- 79% of children in households with incomes less than $50,000 have little-to-no swimming ability
- 64% of African-American, 45% of Hispanic/Latino, and 40% of Caucasian children have little to no swimming ability.
- 88% of childhood drownings can be prevented with formal swimming lessons
Partnerships
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