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.

Currently recruiting for the 2025 – 2026 Academic year with sessions beginning in

September 2025 after Labor Day weekend, and continuing through May 2026.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Be a minimum of 16 years old.
• Attend an SFC-led information and training session 
• Submit, and pass a background check

Photos by: Alec Himwich   https://www.alechimwich.com/

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 lynn.garrett@swimforcharlie.org

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 lynn.garrett@swimforcharlie.org 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a minimum age requirement to Volunteer with Swim for Charlie?

You must be at least 16 years old to be a Volunteer with Swim for Charlie.

Do I need a swimming certificate to be a Volunteer Swim Instructor at Swim for Charlie?

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 pool 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.

Are there other types of Volunteer Opportunities with Swim for Charlie besides being a Volunteer Instructor?

Yes!  We are interested in anyone who would like to share their time and talents to support our efforts. Some other common types of volunteers are: Lifeguards, IT Specialists, HR Specialists, and Marketing and Communications Specialists.  If you have ideas of how you would like to volunteer your time and talent, please let us know! Contact: Tanyss Mason, tanyss.mason@swimforcharlie.org

We are currently recruiting Volunteer Instructors for our 2025 – 2026 Academic School Year programs with Durham Public Schools and Orange County Schools, beginning in September 2025, following Labor Day weekend, and running through May 2026. We’d love to have you participate!

Contact for additional questions: Lynn Garrett, lynn.garrett@swimforcharlie.org