Mr. Leclerc is currently a Bernalillo Elementary 5th grade Bilingual Teacher ( Level Three-A Instructional Leader K-8 Elementary Licensed Teacher with TESOL and Bilingual endorsements). He is also a Science teacher and enjoys running the Robotics/STEM Club at the school. An educator, mentor, visionary, and water safety and drowning prevention advocate who is passionate about teaching individuals how to be safe in and around water. He is an experienced aquatic safety and risk management assessment professional with thousands of hours at aquatic facilities working and consulting for America’s leading insurance companies helping facilities be safer. Mr. Leclerc has a Master of Science Degree in Exercise and Sport Sciences and a Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education. He is an author with several publications in the area of aquatics to his credit and served as an editorial review advisory board member with the International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education. He has conducted research in the YMCA and American Red Cross lifeguarding programs and over the years has made numerous national and international presentations and public speaking engagements including YMCA, National Parks & Recreation Association, National Drowning Prevention Alliance, SHAPE America (formerly known as the American Alliance For Health, Physical Education, Recreation, & Dance- AAHPERD) among others.
His primary research interests include:
- risk management, safety and health operations of aquatic facilities and programs
- lifeguard training, rescue skills
- water safety, drowning prevention
- diversity and multicultural trends in aquatics
- health and wellness promotion, physical education and disease prevention
His professional experiences and education have provided him with knowledge in research, publishing, teaching, advising students, and developing academic programs at the college level. With over 25 years of experience managing programs and being responsible for the managing safety operations of aquatic and recreational facilities his experiences encompasses;
strategic planning, marketing, budget development, revenue growth, risk management, supervising & hiring of staff practices, application of technology, implementation of health and safety policies, ensuring state and federal regulations, managing contracts, record keeping and providing customer service among others. Throughout his experiences, both participating in competitive sports since he was a child such as swimming, water polo, and triathlons combined with his career, he brings a world of knowledge to the world of aquatics. He is an avid hiker, swimmer, stand up paddler, kayaker, and triathlete.
PUBLICATIONS COMPLETED
Refereed Articles
- Leclerc, T, Canabal, J., Leclerc, H. The Issue of In-Water Rescue Breathing: A Review of the Literature. International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education, 2008, 1, 36-46.
- Leclerc, T. A Comparison of American Red Cross and YMCA Preferred Approach Methods Used to Rescue Near-Drowning Victims. International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education, 2007, 1, 15-23.
Books
- YMCA of the USA. (2011). On The Guard: The YMCA Lifeguard Manual 5th Champaign, IL: YMCA of the USA (co-author).
- YMCA of the USA. (2003). YMCA Aquatic Management: A guide to Effective Leadership. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics (co-author).
Magazine
- Leclerc, T., & Thill, G. (2009, April). CROSS CONTAMINATION. Aquatics International, 21(4), 26-30.
Position Paper
- National Drowning Prevention Alliance. Layers of Protection Around Aquatic Environments To Prevent Child Drowning. International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education, 2009, 3, 322-330. (co-author)
