The People Behind PLC

Meet the Coaching Team

Experienced athletes, certified lifeguards and passionate mentors committed to helping every swimmer grow in skill and confidence.

Learn More About Our Coaching
Phil Skinder

Phil Skinder

Head Coach & Founder
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Phil has been a competitive swimmer and coach for over 40 years. He holds a BSc in Biochemistry and an MA in Education specializing in exercise physiology. He is a graduate of the National Coaching Institute, NCCP Level 4, and a member of the Canadian Swimming Coaches and Teachers Association.

Anna-Marie Skinder

Anna-Marie Skinder

Swim Coach & Director of Program Development
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Anna has been a swimmer and coach for over a decade. She is also a member of the Canadian Lifesaving Sport Team and competes internationally. She loves helping swimmers improve, build confidence and achieve their goals while having fun.

Abigail Skinder

Abigail Skinder

Swim Coach & Social Media Manager
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Abigail swims at the Division I level at California Baptist University and is an internationally ranked lifesaving sport athlete. She is a Canadian record holder in the Superlifesaver event and a World Championships bronze medallist.

Joseph Skinder

Joseph Skinder

Swim Coach & Systems Admin.
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Joseph has been a PSA member since the beginning and has competed nationally and internationally in lifesaving sport. He specializes in breaststroke, freestyle and prone paddle boarding.

Noah MacDonald

Noah MacDonald

Swim Coach
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Noah has over five years of coaching experience and is a certified lifeguard and competitive swimmer. He is passionate about helping swimmers improve while ensuring they have fun along the way.

Megan Walshaw

Megan Walshaw

Swim Coach
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Megan has been swimming for most of her life and is a multi-medal winner at the Commonwealth Lifesaving Championships. She enjoys helping athletes improve while fostering a positive and supportive environment.

Nisan McDonald

Nisan McDonald

Swim Coach
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Nisan is a dedicated coach and strong leader. As a former competitive swimmer, she developed a love for the water and a passion for teaching. She takes great joy in seeing young swimmers improve and succeed.

Chris Kurnicki

Chris Kurnicki

Swim Coach
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Chris is a certified lifeguard and has coached with PLC for over two years. He has competed with PLC at Lifesaving Sport Nationals and strives to help every swimmer develop a love of the sport.

Justin Applegarth

Justin Applegarth

Swim Coach
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Justin is a certified lifeguard and enthusiastic coach with years of swimming experience. He strives to ensure every swimmer learns something new and has fun at every practice.

Ian Wicken

Ian Wicken

Swim Coach
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Ian has been swimming for most of his life and later discovered lifesaving sport. He has represented Canada at the Commonwealth Championships and enjoys helping swimmers improve and challenge themselves.

Jack McBean

Jack McBean

Swim Coach
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Jack began competitive swimming at age seven before moving into competitive rowing. He continues to train with PSA and has spent the past two years coaching younger athletes.

Senika Velisek

Senika Velisek

Surf Ski Kayak Coach
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Senika brings over 12 years of competitive sprint kayaking experience. A three-time Provincial Team athlete, she has won national medals and represented Team BC at the 2025 Canada Summer Games.

Daniel Berube

Daniel Berube

Surf Lifesaving Coach
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Dan has coached surf lifesaving for many years and previously served in the Canadian military, where he led its lifesaving team. He has competed and coached at numerous international events.

Jason Cross

Jason Cross

Surf Lifesaving Coach
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Jason has competed in surf lifesaving for many years and spent time in Australia learning from leading experts. He enjoys teaching athletes how to navigate and excel in the waves.

Deniz Ertürk İlhan

Deniz Ertürk İlhan

Swim Coach
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Deniz has been swimming for many years and is a certified lifeguard and energetic swim coach. She enjoys teaching her students both in the ocean and in the pool.