Volunteer Overseas With SwimTayka
“If flying halfway around the world to help a child makes someone feel good, how do they know the trip is really for the child – and not for them?”
SwimTayka asks itself that exact question.
International volunteering can change lives, but only when it starts with the needs of the local community – not the desire of a traveller to go overseas.
SwimTayka is a UK-based drowning prevention charity that operates on a distinct, ethically grounded model. Rather than packaging up overseas experiences, the charity works closely with established local partner organisations, which offer free swim programmes to local children. The charity works hard to understand their specific challenges, goals, and capacity gaps. Only then does SwimTayka match those tailored needs with skilled volunteers who can genuinely support them.
Partner-led approach in action: Peru
In 2027, SwimTayka is again supporting a six-week drowning prevention programme in Peru, running in January to align with local school holidays.
The initiative is led by SwimTayka’s local charity partner, Otra Cosa Network (OCN) in Huanchaco, who drive community development through educational initiatives and swim programmes for local children.
Volunteers do not replace local workers – they join an existing, locally led effort.
Rachel, an English Channel relay swimmer, volunteered for SwimTayka on the Peru project this year:
“They were quite big classes – far bigger than they would be in the UK – so I was in the pool with the kids, showing them how to hold their arms up, blow bubbles, and put their faces in. I was working with the really little ones, while the older children were led by local Peruvian instructors.
“I brought a load of plastic toys, like starfish, which were great for creating games that encouraged them to submerge their faces and gain confidence.
“I think the most surprising thing was to have four-year-olds and some 12-years-olds equally nervous of getting in the water. You expect it with the little ones, but it was the first time in the pool for some of the older ones too.
“There was a sweet little boy from Venezuela who had come to Peru as a refugee, and his house had been flooded once so his family had been moved on again. Tough times for him and his older sister, but he was very sweet, and very cheeky. They were all lovely.”
Are specific skills needed?
SwimTayka matches volunteer expertise directly to the needs of its partner organisations. For example, these might include:
- Swimming instructors: to teach water confidence and basic techniques while upskilling and sharing knowledge with local instructors.
- Competent swimmers: skilled swimming enthusiasts to assist in lessons led by qualified local instructors.
- First aid and lifeguard trainers: to train local community members in handling water emergencies and building long-term local capacity.
- Language skills: basic Spanish is an advantage for the Peru project to facilitate clear communication and collaboration.
What’s involved in volunteering?
- Duration: Two weeks of volunteering with a SwimTayka local partner.
- Logistics: Airport transfers, accommodation, and meals included (volunteers arrange their own flights).
- Support: Comprehensive pre-trip preparation, training, and full on-ground support.
- Fundraising Target (£1,500): Volunteers are asked to raise a minimum of £1,500. Importantly, this is not a fee for purchasing a holiday or travel experience. Every penny fundraised goes directly towards supporting SwimTayka’s wider drowning-prevention programmes, providing teaching resources, equipment, facility use, and long-term instructor training for the partner community.
Sharing skills where they matter most
To apply for the Peru programme in January or to register interest in upcoming partner-led opportunities worldwide, potential volunteers should email volunteer@swimtayka.org.
All Photos supplied by Rachel
About the Author: SwimTayka
