North Bay Aquatics Mourns Death of Coach Don Swartz
North Bay Aquatics announced the passing of coach Don Swartz on Feb. 6. Swartz was 79 years old.
Swartz passed away while on a family vacation in Costa Rica. The family confirmed the death to the club, which posted a note on its website last Friday.
Swartz was a 2013 inductee to the American Swimming Coaches Association Hall of Fame, recognizing a career that began in 1967. He coached under George French at Ladera Oaks Aquatic Club before moving to Marin Aquatic Club as the head coach. Among several Olympians and World Championships qualifiers there was Rick DeMont.
Swartz founded the Creative Performance Institute in 1977, spending eight years working with the mental side of swimming for coaches and athletes. His work came with clubs and college teams as well as international programs in Canada, Mexico, Venezuela, Sweden and Ireland.
In 2005, Swartz moved to North Bay Aquatics, working with Ken DeMont, in Northern California.
From the North Bay letter:
I have few words right now as I attempt to process what has happened. After his family, Don’s greatest love in life was his swim team and the great culture that he helped create. He loved both the youth and Masters as if we too were part of his family. I believe he would want us to continue on with our program as that was his joy. That is how we can best honor Don and his life’s work as a coach.
Swartz was a board member for ASCA in its early days, working as a featured speaker at several World Clinics. He was on the Team USA staff at the 1975 World Championships and for 1977 dual meets against East Germany and Russia.
