# @americanredcross on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/CrT85ErMf3R
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/5778309-americanredcross-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/15fd99a67a.jpg
- **Posted:** 2023-04-21T20:33:07.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** American Red Cross (@americanredcross) — https://gondola.cc/americanredcross

## Caption

Our volunteers not only respond to disasters and help at blood drives, but also teach lifesaving skills! 💪🏼

Meet Swan Cooke, a Red Cross volunteer instructor who has been teaching people how to swim, perform CPR and provide first aid during emergencies for the last 43 years.

“My favorite thing about being a volunteer instructor is the people. Teaching students and also working with the other instructor trainers and educators, they have become family," said Swan.

As a busy mom of eight, she continues to find time volunteering and inspiring others after so many years. One moment she recalls is when she taught a retired officer in the military how to swim. She wrote him a congratulatory message after he received his completion certificate. Years later, he qualified for an Ironman Triathlon and attributed the skills he learned in her class to winning the competition.

"It’s a pretty well-kept secret that when you give back, you always get more than what you give. The friendships, the camaraderie and the learnings are invaluable. The Red Cross will always be a part of my life,” said Swan.

Every day, we’re in awe of the commitment and compassion our volunteers bring to our mission. Drop a ‘❤️’ to join us in celebrating their lifesaving efforts as #NationalVolunteerWeek comes to a close.

#ThankYouVolunteers #RedCross #CPRInstructor #FirstAid

## Stats

- **Views:** 0
- **Likes:** 188
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- **Comments:** 4

## Tags

cprinstructor, firstaid, redcross, thankyouvolunteers, nationalvolunteerweek

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