Dr. Smith has been retained or consulted in over 650 cases with aquatics, boating or Jones Act litigation. The 34 years of Dr. smith�s exprience as an expert in boating/swimming litigation is based on his extensive background in teaching subjects such aquatic safety, accident prevention, water rescue and the field assessment/stabilization of hypothermic near-drowning victims.

Dr. Smith was Awarded: the U.S. Coast Guard Achievement Medal and Meritorious Service Medal in recognition of work in Boating and Anti-drowning activities on national and international basis.

Dr. Smith has assisted defense or plaintiffs� counsel in cases involving accident reconstruction/analysis including (but not limited to): boat collisions, capsizings and groundings; jet skis/Wave Runners; murder by drowning; drowning progressions-signs of drowning; drowning in swimming pools, lakes and at beaches; cervical spine injuries on boats, in above ground and in ground pools as well as at beaches, plus diving from boats; pool/beach design and construction: water skiing and tubing; white water rafting; aquatic accidents at, in or below hydro electric plants and low head dams; water and boat rescues; life guarding procedures; alcohol and environmental stressors/factors including hypothermia; signs and warnings; reconstruction of water and boating accidents; personal flotation devices; human factors. The foregoing includes numerous reports, depositions and courtroom testimonies.

Professional Summary

• Experienced- Lecturer; Author; Educator; Sea Captain; Search and Rescue Instructor; Expert
• Nationally (legal/trial) Witness as presently/previously listed in:
• Recognized Lawyers� Desk Reference, National Forensic Directory, Who�s Who in Midwest/American Education, Numerous Expert Directories.

Education

• B.S. Naval Science (Honors), U.S. Coast Guard Academy.
• M.Ed. American University, Washington, D.C.
• Ph.D. Education, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO.

Legal specialties: Experienced In:

• Aquatic Accident Reconstruction
• Boat Collisions Including Personal Watercraft (Jet Skis).
• Drowning In Any Environment: Pools, Lakes, Dams, Hot Tubs, Boats, Etc.
• Alcohol Affected Aquatic Accidents.
• Diving Injuries In Pools/From Boats, Etc.
• Hypothermia, Immersion/Terrestrial.
• Low Head And Elevated Dams.
• Flotation Devices (PFD�s, Inflated rafts).
• Rescue Procedures.
• Life guarding At Pools/Beaches.
• Water Skiing/Tubing.
• Canoeing/White Water Rafting.
• Safety Signage.
• Human Factors Related to Boating/Swimming Accidents.
• Environmental Factors related to Boating/Swimming Accidents.

Merchant Vessels (Inspected/Uninspected).

• Rules Of The Road, Inland/International.
• Jones Act.
• Passenger Vessel Litigation.
• Barge/Recreational Vessel Collisions.
• Man Overboard/Crew Member Disappearances.

Certifications: Present/Past:

• Aquatic Facility Operator (AFO).
• Risk Evaluator: Old Dominion University.
• American Red Cross Lifeguard.
• American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor.
• Commanding Officer USCG 100 Ton-1000Ton Vessels, Inland/International Waters.
• Commanding Officer USCG Rescue/Aids to Navigation Facilities.
• Deck Watch Officer/Navigator/Executive Officer USCG Vessels Inland/International.

Memberships: Present/Past:

• National Water Safety Congress.
• National Recreation and Parks Association.
• National Safe Boating Council.
• National Advisory Council, Sea Exploring Boy Scouts of America.
• National Transportation Safety Association.

Click on the following link to review Dr. Smith's full resume: http://www.aquaticsafety.com/resume/