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 Volunteer Swim Instructors for the Spring Semester of the 2026 – 2027 Academic year for swim lessons running January through end of May 2027.
We’re excited to offer two optional summer in-service trainings for volunteer instructors! Learn More
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 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 info@swimforcharlie.org.
Step 4 – Your application will also be sent to Jon Klein, SFC President and Pool Coordinator at Duke’s Brodie Aquatics Center. Jon will contact you to discuss your availability for Swim for Charlie’s training and information session.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a minimum age requirement to volunteer with Swim for Charlie?
Yes, volunteers must be at least 16 years old.
Do I need a swimming certificate to be a Volunteer Swim Instructor?
No, you don’t need to be an expert swimmer or hold a WSI certificate. You just need to be comfortable in the water, patient and kind with kids, and interested in helping young swimmers (around age 8) build essential water safety skills.
How does the Swim for Charlie program work?
Each program runs for eight 40-minute pool sessions. Lessons take place most weekdays in the morning, generally between 9:45am and 1pm (exact times vary by pool). Volunteers work with small groups of students, guiding them through a series of water safety skills.
Do I need to volunteer for an entire pool session?
Not necessarily. We love when volunteers can commit to multiple sessions, but it’s not required — we’re happy to schedule you around your availability.
Are there volunteer opportunities besides being a Volunteer Instructor?
Yes! We welcome help outside the pool too — whether that’s supporting events, assisting with logistics, or lending a hand in other ways. If you’re interested in volunteering but not sure where you’d fit best, reach out to Isabel Callaway at isabel.callaway@swimforcharlie.org and we can find something that matches your interests.
Partnerships
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