Specialties & Experience
General Specialties:
Beach & Water Safety
Specialty Focus:
Education:
1987-1989 BSc (Hons) Geology, Statistics & Operational Research - Plymouth University (UK) 1990 - 1992 MPhil Arctic Geophysics - Plymouth University (UK) / Atlantic Geoscience Centre (Nova Scotia) / Scott Polar Research Institute (University of Cambridge, England) 1993-1996 PhD Antarctic Geophysics (partly completed) - Victoria University of Wellington (New Zealand) / University of Western Australia
Years in Practice:
5
Number of Times Deposed/Testified in Last 4 Yrs:
4
Additional Information
I have an extensive practical and management background in beach lifeguarding and coastal safety, having set up the RNLI Lifeguard Service, RNLI Coastal Safety & Research section, served as CEO of Surf Life Saving Great Britain, COO of Surf Life Saving New Zealand and am actively involved with the International Life Saving Federation.
I bring an independent, impartial approach and evidenced based approach to expert witness work, combined with a strong academic background, extensive research and publishing experience, culminating in the publication of the international reference book, The Science of Beach Lifeguarding – CRC Press.
My areas of specialism cover, but are not limited to;
Beach and Water Safety
• Risk assessments for beaches, resorts and water recreation areas
• Evaluation of lifeguard services, patrolling operations and supervision protocols
• Analysis of signage, public warnings and safety messaging effectiveness
• Hazard identification and incident causation
Lifeguarding Operations and Standards
• National and international lifeguard training, qualifications and deployment
• Equipment use and policies
• Lifeguard fitness standards, eyesight and occupational health benchmarks
• Volunteer versus paid lifeguard operational risks and standards of care
• Drowning incidents and personal injury
Incident reconstruction and root cause analysis
• Evaluation of rescue attempts, lifeguard response and emergency protocols
• Assessment of resort, tour operator or event organiser liability
• Coronial investigations and reporting on drowning deaths
• Governance and compliance
Local authority or third-party operator obligations under H&S law
• Review of compliance with national and international guidelines
• Examination of rescue service provision and coastal safety strategies
I bring an independent, impartial approach and evidenced based approach to expert witness work, combined with a strong academic background, extensive research and publishing experience, culminating in the publication of the international reference book, The Science of Beach Lifeguarding – CRC Press.
My areas of specialism cover, but are not limited to;
Beach and Water Safety
• Risk assessments for beaches, resorts and water recreation areas
• Evaluation of lifeguard services, patrolling operations and supervision protocols
• Analysis of signage, public warnings and safety messaging effectiveness
• Hazard identification and incident causation
Lifeguarding Operations and Standards
• National and international lifeguard training, qualifications and deployment
• Equipment use and policies
• Lifeguard fitness standards, eyesight and occupational health benchmarks
• Volunteer versus paid lifeguard operational risks and standards of care
• Drowning incidents and personal injury
Incident reconstruction and root cause analysis
• Evaluation of rescue attempts, lifeguard response and emergency protocols
• Assessment of resort, tour operator or event organiser liability
• Coronial investigations and reporting on drowning deaths
• Governance and compliance
Local authority or third-party operator obligations under H&S law
• Review of compliance with national and international guidelines
• Examination of rescue service provision and coastal safety strategies