SPOTLIGHT: BOB & ROBERT PLACAK
Splish Splash!
Want to feel more confident in the water? Or even learn to swim? Bob and Robert Placak are ready to teach you all the skills you need to know to be like a fish in the water. And it’s all happening right here at The Cove.
A former American record holder and national champion in the 100 Butterfly, Bob was a member of the USA National Team for six years.
His son Robert knows a thing or two about swimming, too. He won the Mayor’s Cup (one-mile open water swim from Angel Island to Sam’s Cafe in downtown Tiburon with almost 1000 swimmers). Both are naturals when it comes to swimming and teaching. Robert is especially good with kids, and his sense of humor keeps them engaged in fun, interactive lessons.
Bob may have been born with gills. His mom taught him how to swim when he was two and he has competed in swimming competitions in 25 or so countries, including Morocco, Australia, Japan, and Canada. He has been an instructor since he was 14.
Over the last year or so, they have taught lessons to some of the youth at The Cove and the idea of teaching classes to members and guests seemed like the next logical step. Robert also teaches adults on a regular basis for conditioning.
Lessons are broken into private, semi-private, and group. A package of five lessons goes for $325 for private lessons, $275 (semi-private), and $225 for a group lesson with three or more students.
Signing up is easy. Residents can sign up by sending an email to bob@placak.com or text to 415-608-7895 or calling that same number to set up lessons. Lessons are scheduled at a mutually agreeable time and Bob and Robert create an atmosphere that is welcoming, safe, and non-judgmental. “Swimming should be a joy,” says Bob. “It is not only a great workout, but it could even save your life or the life of someone else one day.”
All levels are taught, from those grown-ups who thought they’d never learn to swim to little ones who take to the water like tadpoles. Bob and Robert can teach anyone from 3 to 80 years of age.
Right now, Bob is teaching a 79-year-old woman who wants to have a better technique for swimming laps and be more efficient in the pool. They also taught a woman how to swim who was originally terrified of the water – she was 40 and pregnant at the time.
“It’s very rewarding to be able to teach swimming and a great opportunity to give back to the sport we love so much as well as the community,” says Bob. “It’s also a great way to spend more time with my son. We collaborate on each lesson and often teach together.”
For further information or to book lessons please email Bob Placak at bob@placak.com