Maria Bella is an expert in sports and recreation and specializes in aquatic safety. She is one of only four Aquatic Facility Operator Instructor Trainers in the world and has been active in the aquatics industry for more than 30 years. Bella holds a degree in Aquatic Engineering, has designed swimming pool complexes, and has participated in the research and development of chemical treatment systems.
In addition to providing forensic consulting, Bella owns two companies created to increase safety at swimming areas. She personally provides instruction to directors of college/university, municipal, school district, hotel/motel, and water park facilities in standard of care for plant operations as well as training and supervision of lifeguards and maintenance staff. Bella is an authorized instructor for the American Red Cross, National Swimming Pool Foundation, and National Recreation and Park Association. She is active in several national standards writing committees, including the Center for Disease Control Model Aquatic Health Code and the Association of Pool and Spa Professionals Suction Entrapment Prevention committees.
In addition to operating aquatic facilities for nearly three decades, Bella coached competitive swimming for 15 years and worked with athletes ranging from novice through national caliber. She is a member of the World Waterpark Association (WWA), National Association of Amusement Ride Safety Officials (NAARSO), and is an Executive Board Member of Professional Pool Operators of America (PPOA). Bella holds numerous national and international certifications, and has been qualified to testify in state and federal court.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Legionnnaires Disease - Expert Investigates Outbreak at Hotel Hot Tub
A man attending his high school reunion held at a national hotel chain in South Carolina was exposed to Legionella bacteria and contracted Legionnaire’s disease. Robson Forensic aquatics safety expert, Maria Bella, AFOIT, CPOI, LGI, was retained to determine if the operation of the hotel hot tub violated the standard of care and was dangerous in a manner that caused the transmission of Legionella bacteria.
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- Diving Board Injury - Expert Investigates Injury at Amusement Park
A patron at a local amusement park was injured when he dove from an elevated board into a swimming pool and struck the pool bottom with his face. He sustained an abrasion to his forehead and lacerations to his nose and the area above his upper lip. The plaintiff’s expert claimed that the actions of the local amusement park were unreasonable and caused this injury. Robson Forensic aquatics safety expert, Maria Bella, AFOIT, CPOI, LGI, was retained to determine if the amusement park violated standards of care for aquatic facilities in a manner that caused the diver’s injury.
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- Waterslide – Expert Investigates Collision in Waterslide Run-Out
A physician broke his arm while attempting to exit the run-out at the end of a waterslide. After the victim completed his descent of the slide, he rose to his feet and was struck by the following rider; his legs were knocked out from under him and he fell upon the edge of the waterslide, fracturing his humerus. Robson Forensic aquatic safety expert, Maria Bella, AFOIT, CPOI, LGI, was retained to determine if the waterpark operated the subject waterslide in a manner that caused this incident.
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- Ten steps to reducing liability at your aquatic facility
Well run swimming pools are an attractive amenity that can dramatically increase revenue. Improperly run aquatic facilities will increase liability instead, and an overlooked hazard can lead to tragedy. Following is a list of ten commonly overlooked items that are easy to address, and when given proper attention, may save money on insurance costs, and will save lives.
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- Summer Injuries - Robson Forensic
The activities of summer may seem routine, but according to a leading safety organization, people are more likely to be injured in the summer than any other time throughout the year. Around the house, activities as routine as mowing the lawn or cooking on a grill can cause severe injuries. Swimming, water sports, and boating can result in drownings. A celebratory fireworks display can lead to severe burns or traumatic injuries.
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- Child Supervision - Robson Forensic Experts
A child’s safety depends in large part on the quality of adult supervision. Effective supervision is much more than
merely watching children play.
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- Indoor Swimming Pool Air Quality - Expert Article
Natatoriums, Pool Water Chemistry, Health Effects of pool Off-Gassing, Pool Operations Solutions, Chemical Solutions, Indoor Air Quality, and HVAC System Solutions
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- Child Safety - Robson Forensic Experts
Robson Forensic has 20 years of experience analyzing
aspects of cases and claims that are unique to child injuries.
Our sports, recreation, facility design and product experts
are active in organizations promulgating standards and
procedures aimed at protecting children from injury.
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- Boating and Recreation Safety - Robson Forensic Experts
When you have cases involving recreational boating, aquatics, or summer recreation,
we can help. Our specialized marine and aquatic experts possess extensive
experience and training in watercraft design, performance and operations and stand
ready to assist your litigation/subrogation.
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- Just Add Water
It's the hottest trend to hit the hospitality industry in decades: to increase heads in beds, just add an indoor waterpark to a hotel. It works so well that some chains have come up with their own formula to expedite the process
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