Thank you for your interest in Volunteering to be a Swim Instructor

in the Swim for Charlie (SFC) Water Safety Program!

 It takes a community of thousands to remove the barriers to make children water safe.

Thank you for volunteering your time to part of this effort.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Attend an SFC-led information and training session 
• Submit, and pass a background check

Steps to Apply

Step 1 – Complete and submit the SFC Volunteer Swim Instructor Training Application.  

Step 2 – The application will go to Lynn Garrett, SFC Volunteer Coordinator, who will contact you to discuss your availability, sign you up for an information/training session, and schedule you at the pool. Please keep your eye out for this email from Lynn. You can also contact Lynn with any questions you have at [email protected]

Step 3 – Complete and pass a background check in the school system you will be volunteering in: 

• Durham Public Schools online system. 

• Orange County Schools online system. 

=>It is important that you submit this form as soon as possible, before the training session, as the background check takes, on average, 2 weeks to complete. 

• You must complete the background check form on a computer as the system does not work correctly with mobile phones 

• Watch for an email from the school system indicating your approval. 

• Forward your email approval to Lynn Garrett at [email protected] 

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a swimming certificate?

You don’t need to be an expert swimmer or hold a WSI certificate. You need to be competent in the water, kind, and interested in helping young kids (~8 years old) learn essential water safety skills.

How does the Swim for Charlie Program work?

The program takes place in eight, 40-minute pool sessions.

Do I need to volunteer for an entire session?

We love it when volunteers are available for multiple sessions, but it is not a requirement. We are happy to schedule you based on your availability.

We currently have two upcoming programs with Durham Public Schools in May. These programs will be held at Jewish for Good at the Levin JCC Pool.

Program 1 – Morehead School 2nd Graders  

Date: May 5 – 8 and May 13 – 16,  

With two sessions each morning:   

Session 1 from 9:40 –10:20 a.m.  

Session 2 from 10:40 – 11:20 a.m.  

Program 2 – Lakewood School 2nd Graders  

Date: May 19 – 22 and May 27 – 30,   

With two sessions each morning   

Session 1 from 9:40 –10:20 a.m.  

Session 2 from 10:40 – 11:20 a.m.  

Contact for additional questions: Lynn Garrett, [email protected]