My name is Carol Ann Redfield, founder and owner of Point Me to the Water. After retiring from the Army as a Lieutenant Colonel in 2008, I planted my roots in North Carolina to raise my children. What began as a new chapter focused on family soon evolved into a deeper calling rooted in coaching, service, and the water. As a disabled veteran, my purpose has always been rooted in service to others.

Coming from a family of triathletes, I was drawn back to coaching. I started with the local chapter of Girls on the Run and went on to train 22 women—many of them teachers and friends—to complete a triathlon in April 2010. Training alongside them and watching them tap into their inner athlete was transformative.

As I continued coaching in the running and triathlon community, people learned that I had been an All-American swimmer at the United States Military Academy at West Point and began asking me to teach swim lessons. The pool has always been home for me—especially in life’s most challenging moments. I brought my soldiers there for training and taught countless ROTC cadets how to swim. I later spent ten years teaching Junior ROTC at a local high school, helping students discover their path and reach their potential. There is no greater calling than helping someone build confidence and find purpose—even if it takes time.

In July 2019, my brother Kevin Heller, also a West Point graduate and the greatest athlete in our family, was diagnosed with ALS, just three months after our father passed. Our family was devastated, but Kevin met the challenge with strength, purpose, and joy. He became my inspiration to find my purpose and what brings me joy.

When COVID-19 closed gyms, I returned to the water and took over my neighborhood water aerobics program. In honor of Kevin and our shared love for swimming, I expanded into adult swim fitness—helping more people experience the physical and emotional strength that water provides.

Kevin passed away on January 5, 2021, after nearly a year and a half with ALS. In April 2021, I retired from teaching to fully dedicate my time to helping others use the water for a lifetime of fitness, confidence, and—most importantly—safety.

Point Me to the Water is more than a swim program—it is my life’s mission and a commitment to community service. I believe every person, regardless of age or ability, deserves the opportunity to be safe, confident, and strong in the water. Through swim education and training, we build not just skills, but resilience, awareness, and lifelong confidence. I believe every person, regardless of age or ability, deserves the opportunity to be safe, confident, and strong in the water.

At Point Me to the Water, we serve every individual, regardless of race, gender, or ability to pay. We are not a commercial swim factory—we are a mission-driven program focused on promoting water safety for all.

Today, I partner with Stop Drowning Now to promote swim safety and educate families on how to swim and stay safe in and around the water. We also partner with Hope Floats to provide scholarships for swim lessons.

Go Army. Beat Navy.