Swim for Charlie, the Dr. Charles van der Horst Water Safety Initiative

Swim for Charlie, the Dr. Charles van der Horst Water Safety Initiative, was founded in memory of Dr. van der Horst. In his actions as a social justice activist, caring clinician, internationally known infectious disease 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 501 (c) 3 charitable organization in his name with the mission “To equip children with life-saving water safety skills by providing a high-quality water safety program to second grade North Carolina students.”

The Initiative envisions a community where water safety programs are available to all school-age children. We foresee a day when all children are safer around the water and strive for a time when our participants will be those teaching and helping to keep safe both their peers and future generations of children.

The program is a community partnership between NC school districts including Durham Public Schools and Orange County Schools, local pools and Swim for Charlie, with each organization contributing to the success of the water safety initiative.

Empower 2nd grade students by teaching life-saving water safety/basic swimming skills.

The students receive 8 lessons over 2 weeks. For each lesson there is a 10-minute water safety video and discussion, along with presentation of an aquatic career done at the schools by their teachers. This is followed by a 40-minute water safety/swimming skills session at the aquatic center.

The curriculum aligns with NC DPI Healthful Living Standards and is part of the students' Physical Education and Health requirements.

Instructors receive a detailed Handbook and have a 2-hour training session so they will be effective teachers.

Student progress is marked using poolside laminated Skills Check off sheets.  The student's achievement is reported to parents with a Skills Evaluation Form completed by the instructors.