Our Coaches
Dan Lock
Head Coach
Dan brings over a decade of coaching experience to the River Otters, where he has coached since 2023, first as Assistant Coach, then as Head Coach since 2025.
Raised in the UK, Dan grew up playing basketball and rugby at varsity level, as well as coaching & refereeing these sports before moving to Canada in 2018.
As an open water swimmer, runner, cyclist and certified yoga teacher, Dan combines a background in diverse athletic disciplines with a balanced, fun approach to help swimmers of all skill levels achieve their personal goals.
Marianne Carlyle
Assistant Coach
Marianne grew up swimming with the Brockville Aquatic Club, earning club, provincial, and national honours before winning six medals at the Canadian University Championships for Mt. Allison University.
Marianne went on to become a seven-time World Triathlon competitor in the 1990s.
She co-founded the 1000 Islands Masters Swim Club in 1985, which she still coaches and has previously held various coaching roles (including swim mom) in UCRO. She remains dedicated to coaching local swimmers of all ages.
Steve McKend
Assistant Coach
Steve grew up swimming with UCRO from age seven through to high school and competed provincially in breaststroke and IM. He then went onto swimming two varsity seasons at McMaster University.
The strong camaraderie and friendships Steve built through swimming shaped his appreciation for the sport and guided his coaching philosophy.
Today, he strives to foster a positive, supportive environment where swimmers can challenge themselves, connect with teammates, and find joy in the journey.
Sherry Leeder
Assistant Coach
Involved in competitive swimming since the 1970s, Sherry started as a Brockville Aquatic Club athlete training in a 20-yard pool!
Over the decades, she has served as a Head Coach (twice), a Swim Mom, and, as of February 2026, a volunteer Assistant Coach.
She is excited about the team's direction and proud to support a dynamic organization offering opportunities for swimmers of all ages and abilities.
Junior Coaches
Junior Coaches are senior UCRO swimmers aged 14 and older who help the Head and Assistant Coaches deliver the Junior and Youth Otters programs. They share their skills and enthusiasm with younger swimmers in the water.
Photo shows 3 of our Junior Coaches (top left) with our Summer Program team.
