Kurt Edwards
Founder of Cougar Swim School
Bio
Kurt Edwards, owner of Cougar Swim School, has over 40 years of experience creating a variety of healthy fitness and recreation activities for youth and adults. Kurt has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Education and Kinesiology from Cal Poly Pomona, California, Secondary Education Teaching Credential, Master’s Degree in Commercial Recreation from the University of the Pacific, American Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor, and Lifeguard. He currently is a Water Polo and Swim Coach at San Lorenzo Valley High School. He also works with the Middle School students to improve their swimming skills and introduce them to Water Polo.
In 2007 Kurt started Cougar Swim School with the goal to develop swimming programs that offer quality swimming lessons where children have fun learning the FUNdamentals of swimming. With over 40 years of experience in working with youth, teaching, and coaching swimming and other sports, Kurt understands that to be good at anything, you must teach the skills the correct way, then have the swimmer correctly practice each skill. Swimming should not be a struggle and the teachers at Cougar Swim School will challenge their swimmers to improve their swimming skills and have fun exploring the aquatic environment.
I do not recall a time that I did not enjoy being in the water. My parents made sure I learned how to properly swim and be safe. Along with swimming for fun and exercise I also enjoy surfing, whitewater rafting, kayaking, sailing, water skiing, and scuba diving. Knowing how to correctly swim opens up a wonderful world of aquatic fun.
Philosophy
Our staff uses a patient approach to encourage each swimmer to learn how to swim and be safe in and around the water. At Cougar Swim School we know that learning a new skill is a process and the best way to teach a skill is to correctly teach each part one at a time.
Our classes are small, no more than 4 per class, which allows the instructor to focus on each swimmer and provide the highest quality personal attention and instruction possible. Each lesson we build on what was taught the previous day. As the swimmer’s skills and endurance improves, we increase the swimming distance and expectations, always focusing on proper position in the water and stroke development.
Learning how to swim is not only good for fitness and relaxation but it also creates confidence and makes youth and adults safer in and near the water. Many adults and children report that they can’t swim or that they are weak swimmers. Participation in formal swimming lessons can reduce the risk of drowning among children and young adults. The staff of Cougar Swim School work to make sure each of their swimmers learn how to be safe, increase their swimming skills, endurance, and enjoyment in the water.
