Volunteer Testimonials

Volunteer Testimonials

“I love the casual and comfortable environment that [S.W.A.M.] provides. We are a team who not only supports one another, but also the children and the families we meet. It is a time full of fun and learning for both the swimmers and the instructors.”
“I’m a fairly new instructor with [S.W.A.M.] and I love it. It’s a great way to help out the community and get to know some amazing kids. The people I work with are all so nice and helpful and between them and the enthusiastic kids every minute of it is a blast. There’s no feeling that compares to when one of the sweet kids gets excited because they learned a new skill or are doing something they love.”
“It’s hard to narrow down my love of this program to just one aspect, but I’d say it’s seeing how much joy our program brings to the countless children and their families we support. Sadly, they often face battles and obstacles that they shouldn’t have to, so to be able to brighten up their weeks by something as simple as half an hour of fun in the water…it’s more meaningful and important than words can say.”
“One of my kids is non-verbal, so in our first lesson, I could tell she was uncomfortable with a stranger trying to teach her swimming; she kept mainly to herself and swam around in circles, not wanting me to guide her. Now, we’ve found our own way to communicate, and as soon as she is in the water, she holds my hands. We’re able to improve her swimming abilities and have a great lesson together, in a comfortable and stimulating environment. The bond that my kids and I are able to have through this program is something that I’ll always look back on fondly.”

“Being an instructor with [S.W.A.M.] has been one of the most rewarding activities I’ve partaken in at university. I look forward to lessons every week and have formed amazing bonds with my child and his family. It is amazing to feel like you are making a difference.”

“I look forward to every session I teach with [S.W.A.M.]. It is a friendly, supportive atmosphere for the instructors and I feel that each instructor truly wants to get to know the kids they teach. They parents have also been very supportive and trusting. I feel that it is very team-based between parent and instructor. I have also seen children so excited to swim each week and I feel that the opportunity for the children to play 1 on 1 with the instructor each week is invaluable to their confidence and self-esteem.”

Click here for more information on how to become an instructor at your local chapter.