Are you looking for a unique, meaningful volunteer opportunity?
Consider getting involved with WaterWise.
WaterWise is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides water safety and basic swimming instruction at no cost to elementary age children from Mt Zion and other local schools. Many of these young children have never been in a swimming pool, do not know how to swim, and some have been taught to be afraid of the water. This important program can help prevent children from drowning and potentially save their lives.
To volunteer, you don’t need to be an expert swimmer, in fact most who volunteer are average swimmers with above average compassion and patience. Some volunteers help on the pool deck while others help in the water. WaterWise provides the necessary training to the volunteer instructors. In addition, volunteers participate in child protection training and background checks, in association with the Boy Scouts of America.
The program takes place in late May at the Boy Scout Camp on Wadmalaw. Camp runs every morning for two weeks but instructors can be scheduled to help as few as two or as many as five mornings a week as their schedule allows. We try to have a ratio of one instructor to two children for each of the four to five 30-minute sessions each morning and that requires a lot of volunteers.
It costs the program more than $100.00 per child for these classes, as each child needs a life jacket when in the pool and sometimes bathing suits and other necessities. In addition, insurance for the program and transportation are costly. If you are not able to be an instructor, you can help by donating to Waterproof, Inc, which is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Send donations to Derek Fyfe, 1014 Embassy Row Way, Johns Island, SC 29455.
Please volunteer to be an instructor or even a deck helper. Most volunteers come from Seabrook, Kiawah, and Johns Islands. It may be one of the most rewarding experiences you will ever have. For more information or to volunteer, contact Derek Fyfe at derekfyfe2014@gmail.com.
-Submitted by Derek Fyfe, President and CEO of Waterproof Inc.
(Image credit: WaterWise Program)