Aquatic Safety Expert Witness

Expert Witness No. 45

California

Education

September 1973 Bachelor of Science: Business Management, San Diego State University, California

Professional Overview

Began providing litigation support services in 1988 based on over 21 years of Professional Ocean and boating safety experience. Qualified in US District Court as an expert in water safety and small craft safety and handling. Background includes plaintiff and defense casework. Beach safety and signage consultant for State of Hawaii and County of Kauai projects, including contracts under the Coastal Zone Management Act (CZM). Numerous published works include visitor industry guidebooks, standard operation procedures for tour boats, and a guide to safety at resort beachfront properties. Past lifeguard in Hawaii and California, US Coast Guard licensed boat captain, nationally certified safety instructor.

Career Background

1986-Current, Aquatic Safety Consultant
Litigation Support, Expert Testimony, Case Evaluation, Risk Management, Hazard Assessment, Staff Evaluation, Lifeguard Systems, Warning Signs.

From 1979, Safety Management Services, Educator & Training Consultant
First Aid, CPR, Lifesaving, Small Craft Safety, USCG Licensing

From 1981, Swim School, Owner/Operator
Learn to Swim Training for Children & Adults

1984– 1988, Sailing School, Owner/Operator
Sailing and Snorkeling Charters, Type of Vessels: 22’ Beach Catamaran, 22’ Pearson Sloop, 34’ Tartan

From Feb.1994, Sailing Adventures, Operations Manager, Boat Captain
Type of Vessel: 55’ Gold Coast Catamaran

1981– 1993, Bluewater Sailing Crew (81-83)/Captain
Type of Vessels: 41’ Morgan OI Sloop, 44’ Lafitte, 42 Pearson 424 Ketch

1986– 1988, Hanalei Sport Fishing, Captain
Type of Vessels: 28’CSK Beach Catamaran, 30’Power Catamaran

1983– 1985, American Red Cross, Safety Services Coordinator
Planned and conducted safety courses for business & industry

1982– 1983, American National Red Cross, Assistant to District Director
Hurricane Iwa disaster relief operation (Federally declared disaster)

1977– 1980, Na Pali Zodiac Crew
Type of Vessels: Zodiac inflatables 16-23’ LOA

1979-1989, Water Safety Officer, County of Kauai, Dept. of Parks & Recreation
Contractor status (19 hour)

1968 to 1975, Ocean Lifeguard, City of San Diego Lifeguard Service

Training/Certifications

1983 US. Coast Guard License: Master – Near Coastal Sail Endorsement

1985–United States Coast Guard Auxiliary
Instructor: Sailing, Boating Safety & Seamanship, Search & Rescue status Operator, Courtesy Marine Examiner

1987–American Sailing Association Instructor
Basic Sailing, Basic Coastal Cruising, Bareboat Chartering, Coastal Navigation

1993–United States Lifesaving Association
Open Water Lifeguard Instructor

1981–National Association of Underwater Instructors (NAUI)
Skin Diver Instructor

1985–1987 American Red Cross Instructor Trainer Authorizations
Water Safety Instructor (WSI), Lifeguard Training, Standard First Aid, CPR

Current American Red Cross Instructor Authorizations
Water Safety Instructor (WSI), Standard First Aid, CPR

American Heart Association Basic Life Support Instructor

Professional Affiliations

Kauai Ocean Recreation Council (KORC)

Hawaiian Lifeguard Association Board of Directors

1988– 1993-Kauai Water Safety Task Force, State of Hawaii, Chairman

1981– 1984-American Red Cross Advisory Council

1985– 1986-American Heart Association Board of Directors

1982–National Association of Underwater Instructors (NAUI)

1969–United States Lifesaving Association (USLA)

1992–American Trial Lawyer’s Association (ATLA)

1993-Technical Advisory Service for Attorneys (TASA)

1991-National Recreation & Park Association

1987-American Sailing Association (ASA)

1986-United States Yacht Racing Union (USYRU)

1988-BOAT-US

1985-US. Coast Guard Auxiliary

1986-National Association of Marine Educators (NAME)

1987-The Ocean Recreation Council of Hawaii (TORCH)

North Shore Charter boat Association; Founding Member

Program Development

1992 Beach Access Signage Program (CZM) Project Consultant, County of Kauai, Department of Planning

1992 Resort Beach Safety Program, Program Developer

1991 Kauai Water Safety Signage; Project Consultant State of Hawaii, Department of Land & Natural Resources

1993 Wailua Riverside Kayak Facility, Safety Evaluation; Project Evaluator
Conducted evaluation of a proposed kayak staging area on the Wailua River, Kauai

1989 Lifesaving & Small Craft Safety and Rescue
Water Safety Training for Ocean Recreation Professionals and Public, US Coast Guard Approved

1986 First Aid For Citizens
Basic First Aid Training, State of Hawaii OSHA Approved, US Coast Guard Approved, DOE/DOH Approved

1988– current Junior Lifeguard Camp
48-hour aquatic safety training program for youth ages 8 to 14 Courses conducted annually during summer months includes beach and surf rescue skills, personal safety, boating safety, character development, and fitness.

1987 Water Safety PSA (KTTV Channel 3), Program Consultant
Developed script and content for television public service announcements educating visitors about the beaches of Kauai.

1986 Kilauea Slippery Slide A Water Safety Evaluation, Program Consultant
Conducted aquatic safety evaluation for future planning of commercial activities.

1985, 86, 87 Kauai Love’s You Triathlon, Water Safety Director
Race coordinator for the swim event on the professional circuit attended by 300 athletes. Directed crew of 36 lifeguards stationed on boats, kayaks, and rescue boards.

Professional Highlights

Provided litigation support, investigation, and expert witness services to legal profession. Areas of expertise include water safety, small craft safety, and aquatic recreation. Specialist in Pacific Basin, tropic and sub-tropic regions, island environments

Successfully developed safety programs for corporations, small businesses, state and county government, non-profit organizations, and individuals. Gained a working relationship with state and county officials including the Office of the Mayor and County Council, and the State Board of Land & Natural Resources.

Invited to address the statewide water safety conferences. Presentations given on issues surrounding beach safety, hazard assessment, and rating criteria for safety at public beaches

Defined and closely monitored short- and long-term goals and objectives for water safety projects on the island of Kauai. Coordinated and chaired monthly meetings of the Kauai Water Safety Task Force, a Department of Health sponsored community action group.

Developed the first ocean lifesaving and small craft safety curriculum approved by the US Coast Guard for meeting their licensing requirement for commercial boat operators. Licensed by the US. Coast Guard: Master/Near-coastal Auxiliary Sail Captain.

Professional lifeguard background in Hawaii and California

Coordinated disaster relief efforts during Hurricane Iwa. Held position of Assistant District Director for the National staff of the American Red Cross.

Litigation Summary

Available upon request

Publications

Available upon request