Irene Birch Noden, a dedicated American Red Cross volunteer with deep Georgia roots, has turned her childhood love for swimming into a lifelong mission of saving lives and aiding disaster victims. Starting from swim lessons in Macon, Georgia, at age 8, she now inspires others at 68 with her ongoing commitment, especially amid recent calls for more volunteers in the face of growing natural disasters.
Early Swim Lessons Spark a Passion
Irene Birch Noden’s story began in the pools of Macon, Georgia, where she took her first beginner swim classes as a young girl. This simple start ignited a fire that led her to become a certified lifeguard and instructor, teaching others the skills to stay safe in water.
Her instructor, Mrs. McKenna, played a key role with her patient and fun approach. Noden recalls how the joy of those lessons stuck with her, pushing her to pursue junior lifesaving courses as a teen.
By her late teens, she had completed advanced lifesaving training and earned her lifeguard certification. This foundation not only built her confidence but also aligned with the Red Cross’s long history of water safety programs, which have trained millions since their start over a century ago.
Today, with drowning rates still a concern—statistics show about 4,000 unintentional drownings happen each year in the U.S.—Noden’s early experiences highlight the timeless value of such education.
Building Skills as a Lifeguard and Instructor
As Noden grew, she dove deeper into Red Cross programs, becoming a water safety instructor in the 1970s. She taught swimming and lifeguarding classes for several summers, focusing on the organization’s goal to “drown-proof” every child.
Her work extended beyond pools; she certified others to teach these vital skills. This era marked a turning point, blending her Georgia upbringing with a broader commitment to community safety.
Noden’s efforts mirror the Red Cross’s impact, which trains over 2.5 million people annually in aquatics. Her story resonates now, as recent events like the 2024 Georgia floods underscore the need for strong swimming education.
In her own words, teaching someone to save a life, whether at a pool or during a flood, feels like a powerful gift. This phase solidified her role as a mentor, influencing countless families.
She paused her pool work after marriage and a move to Florida, but her passion never faded. Instead, it evolved into new ways to serve.
Stepping Up in Times of Crisis
When the 9/11 attacks struck, Noden and her husband Tom felt a strong pull to help. Drawing inspiration from her parents’ Red Cross service—evident in the volunteer pins she treasures—they joined as Disaster Action Team members.
In 2004, Florida faced four major hurricanes: Charley, Frances, Ivan, and Jeanne. The couple worked tirelessly in shelters and on emergency vehicles, delivering meals and comfort to those affected.
Noden went further by becoming a certified first aid and CPR instructor. Her skills proved essential in real scenarios, like pulling a child from water or aiding hurricane survivors.
This hands-on role deepened her appreciation for the Red Cross’s presence during tough times. With natural disasters on the rise—2025 has seen over 20 billion-dollar events in the U.S. already—her experiences remind us of the human cost and the need for prepared volunteers.
She emphasizes that life can change in an instant, and organizations like the Red Cross provide hope when it does.
Recent Challenges and Continued Giving
At 68, after a knee replacement, Noden found fresh ways to contribute. In 2024, she joined the Red Cross Swim Challenge, swimming 15 miles in 30 days and raising over $600—doubling her goal.
This effort ties into broader trends, as the Red Cross issued urgent calls for volunteers in 2025 amid wildfires in California and floods in the Southeast. Georgia volunteers, like Jody Hall who aided LA wildfire relief in January 2025, show the ongoing demand.
Noden’s story connects to recent rescues, such as Georgia sorority sisters saving a family from a submerging car in 2024, highlighting how water safety skills save lives in unexpected ways.
Living in hurricane-prone Florida, she remains ready to respond. Her journey reflects resilience, especially as climate-driven disasters increase, with experts predicting more intense storms in 2026.
- Key milestones in Noden’s Red Cross journey:
- Age 8: Begins swim lessons in Macon, Georgia.
- Teen years: Completes junior and advanced lifesaving courses.
- 1970s: Becomes water safety instructor and teaches classes.
- 2001: Joins Disaster Action Team post-9/11.
- 2004: Responds to four Florida hurricanes.
- 2024: Completes Swim Challenge, raises funds.
The Wider Impact of Red Cross Volunteers
Volunteers like Noden form the backbone of the Red Cross, making up 90% of its workforce. They respond to over 65,000 disasters yearly, from home fires to massive events like the 2025 wildfires.
In Georgia, recent initiatives include new board members in East Central Georgia and partnerships for mobility-impaired volunteers using all-terrain chairs in disaster zones.
| Red Cross Impact Stats (2025) | Details |
|---|---|
| Annual Swim Trainings | Over 2.5 million people trained |
| Disaster Responses | More than 65,000 incidents handled |
| Volunteer Percentage | 90% of workforce |
| Recent Georgia Efforts | Volunteers aided in wildfires and floods; new executive directors appointed |
| Fundraising Examples | Swim Challenges raise thousands for relief |
These figures show the organization’s reach, built on stories like Noden’s. Her legacy encourages others, proving one person’s passion can ripple out to help many.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Noden’s path from Georgia pools to disaster fronts shows how personal roots fuel global good. At a time when volunteer needs surge—due to events like the 2025 Georgia volunteer drives—her example motivates action.
She views her work as ongoing, always ready for the next hurricane or challenge. This mindset aligns with the Red Cross’s mission to alleviate suffering, one act at a time.
Share this story if it moved you, and comment below on your own volunteer experiences. How has helping others changed your life? Your thoughts could inspire someone to join the cause.
