Charlie Saunders

Operations Manager & Divemaster

Charlie Saunders serves as the Operations Manager and Divemaster at Sink or Swim Scuba, where he plays an integral role in both the day-to-day success and long-term growth of the business. Based in Gastonia, North Carolina, Charlie helps ensure smooth operations for recreational divers, technical students, and public safety teams throughout the Charlotte metro area and surrounding regions.

Charlie has been directly involved in underwater vehicle recoveries and public safety diving operations, assisting with real-world scenarios that demand precision, teamwork, and calm decision-making under pressure. He regularly supports ERDI training programs, helping facilitate classes and field operations alongside instructors during public safety diver training and recoveries. His hands-on experience in these environments adds real-world depth to the training environment at Sink or Swim Scuba.

Beyond his work in public safety support, Charlie is essential to the daily operational flow of the shop. From coordinating logistics and supporting instructors to assisting customers and dive teams, he helps ensure that training, equipment preparation, and dive operations run efficiently and professionally. His ability to bridge the gap between instruction, operations, and customer experience has been a key factor in Sink or Swim Scuba’s continued growth.

Charlie’s background in scouting helped shape his strong sense of leadership, preparedness, and community service, values that align closely with the mission of Sink or Swim Scuba. Whether working behind the scenes or supporting divers in the field, he approaches every task with reliability, professionalism, and a team-first mindset.

Charlie’s passion for diving, commitment to safety, and dedication to operational excellence make him a trusted member of the Sink or Swim Scuba team. His contributions—both in real-world recovery operations and in daily shop leadership—have been instrumental in building the strong reputation Sink or Swim Scuba holds across North Carolina and the greater Charlotte area.

Roles & Experience

• Operations Manager – Sink or Swim Scuba

• Certified Divemaster

• ERDI Training Support

• Underwater Vehicle Recovery Operations

• Dive Operations & Logistics Coordination