Red Cross volunteer Jim May, became a lifeguard when he was 15 years old. He has been volunteering as a Red Cross health and safety instructor ever since, providing lifeguard training, CPR/First Aid training, and swimming lessons for 50 years.

By day, Jim is an accountant but every Saturday, from October through February, Jim coordinates a Red Cross swimming program for the Boy Scouts of America. Leading a volunteer staff of 15 to 20 instructors, Jim and his team have taught over 17,000 Boy Scouts how to swim and be safe in the water.

“Cumulatively, the staff and I have over 400 years of service dedicated to teaching people how to swim,” he says. ”I work with several instructors that have been at this for almost as long as I have.”

Jim’s enthusiasm for water safety and his commitment to community service is infectious. Just ask St. Louis Area Chapter’s own Executive Officer of Health and Safety Services Joyce Bathke, “Many years ago, Jim was my swimming instructor and I thank Jim for inspiring me to pursue a career in aquatics and community service. He gives so much of himself that he inspires others to do the same.” Joyce now serves as an international expert on Red Cross Water Safety and has recently established Red Cross Aquatic programs in the United States, Egypt, Taiwan and Japan.

When asked what inspires his lifelong dedication, Jim says it’s very fulfilling to know that kids can safely enjoy water sports and activities because they’ve been taught the basic water safety skills that can save their lives if they get into trouble in the water. Even more so, Jim says, “It’s fun to work with kids and to see them progress through the program. At the beginning, some of the students don’t even want to put their head in the water, but by the end of five weeks they’re jumping off the diving board.”

For more information on Red Cross Aquatics, click here.

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