In 1989, Leo Briceno started teaching in a preschool while swimming competitively and doing triathlons. Having extensive experience with special needs individuals of all ages, he worked on developing new techniques to help people learn to swim. He co-founded a foundation that offered swim programs for special needs kids, and he has been a volunteer for the Special Olympics for several years now.
Leo had worked at the YMCA in Venezuela for over 15 years as summer camp director, swim coach, and teacher of water safety. He helped develop a program for homeless children and incorporated the swimming curriculum as part of important activity for these underprivileged youth. In 1999 Leo moved to the US and made Clearwater his home. He started working at the YMCA as a Lifeguard, then Pool Coordinator, and eventually became the Teen and Family Director, developing aquatic programs for the less fortunate. These included swim lessons for babies, older children, and adults.
Leo also worked at the Carlouel Yacht Club for 6 years and became the head swim coach, with up to 80 kids in the team. Currently, Coach Leo is managing the Outspokin Multisport Team, with over 300 athletes. Every Tuesday evening you can find him on Clearwater beach coaching the largest and most successful Open Water Swim Training in the region, OWS Cross-training With Leo. In addition, he also coaches the St Pete Beach Masters program.
