Welcome to Karen Kittelson's Website!

Karen grew up in rural area of Minnesota and attended college at the University of MN in Marshall, MN. She graduated with a major in Sports Management, Exercise Physiology, with a minor in nutrition. In 1991, she purchased a swim school franchise called MacTay Aquatics, and developed that into SwimWest School of Instruction, Inc. The facility was custom built in 1995 to house our swim school and fitness programs.

Karen is currently certified in American Red Cross CPR, First Aid, Oxygen Administration, blood borne pathogens, lifeguarding, and beachfront lifeguarding. She is also accredited to certify, through the American Red Cross, all of these certifications. In addition she is also a water safety instructor through the American Red Cross, holds an Infant/child certification through the United States Swim School Association, and is a Certified Pool Operator.

Karen has 13 awards through the United States Swim School Association for teaching, marketing, and facility design.

Karen is an international speaker on topics such as swim school management, customer service, and crisis management. Currently she is a member, and on the board, of the United States Swim School Association, a member of the Australian Swim School Association, and assists with Safe Kids Coalition locally.

Karen's goal is for every child to learn how to be safe in and around the water. Check out her blog today to see what Karen is saying about children and water safety!