Swim With Leslie

About Leslie

 

Swimming has always been my favorite activity. Growing up, I took swim lessons every year and received all of the Red Cross certifications for each skill level, usually passing a skill level well before the required age. I completed Junior Lifeguard Training, Adult Lifeguard Training, and Water Safety Instructor Training (WSI) and have maintained current CPR and First Aid certifications required by the Red Cross.

 

As a young adult, I had a wonderful opportunity to learn to teach swimming under the guidance of Rita Curtis, at her private swim school, Rita Curtis Swim School in Van Nuys, CA. Rita was a pioneer in her day, teaching babies to roll onto their backs starting at three months old.

 

Rita retired the year I began teaching and I became the manager of the facility for the following three years. I managed two pools, taught lessons full-time, and handled training and scheduling of six other teachers. I ran the summer camps for three organizations, assisted the coach for the swim team, and managed the maintenance of the pools. After leaving the Rita Curtis Swim School, I continued to teach privately and have done it full time during the summer since 2006.

 

Outside of teaching, I paddle outrigger canoes in the ocean, hike, swim, bike and go camping. I am generally outdoors, either in, on or near the water as much as possible. 

 

I am also an artist.  During the non-swim season, I paint murals - from a wall in a bedroom to the side of a building. Feel free to chat with me about a mural for your home. 

 

My goal is to make children SAFE around a pool and to share my love of the water so they will become strong and capable swimmers for life.