Terri Smith, Senior Designer / Marketing / Operational Consultant

Terri joined the Water Design team in 2006 as a project designer and brings extensive swimming pool operational experience with her. She is responsible for providing design, drafting and specifications for swimming pools, spas, fountains and other water features. Terri works closely with architects, contractors, and owners to develop schematic and construction drawings. She also works closely with health department officials to address safety concerns and to assure designs meet health code requirements. Terri uses her extensive experience in aquatic operations to assist new and existing facility operators with staffing, risk management, training, budget analysis and program development.  Terri was one of the founding members of the Association of Aquatic Professionals (AOAP) and served on the founding Board of Directors. She developed the association's drowning prevention campaign; RESPECT the Water and is working to ensure the program has a national reach. Terri is heavily involved with the aquatics section of the Utah Recreation and Parks Association and she lectures at several national industry events each year.

Terri has worked in the field of aquatics for over 25 years.  She has held many positions including lifeguard, swim instructor, swimming and water polo coach, pool manager, aquatic coordinator and assistant facility director.  Terri was involved with the NRPA - National Aquatic Branch for numerous years, and was the Pacific Southwest Region representative.   As well as serving on the National level, Terri served at the State level, and was the Utah Recreation and Parks Association Aquatic Representative from 2002-2005. Along with her service on several national committees, Terri has presented at numerous conferences, aquatic retreats, staff training and institutes nationally.  She is the proprietor of the “Vigilance Voice”, a scanning technique for lifeguards that assists with the training and vigilance of lifeguards.  She has trained over 3,500 lifeguards with this technique and has presented it to many aquatic professionals nationwide.  She wrote an article that was published in the NRPA Parks and Recreation magazine in November, 2006 and continues to provide training to agencies nationwide.  Terri has worked for West Valley City, Utah as their assistant facility director and aquatic director; Salt Lake County and Salt lake City as aquatic coordinator for the Steiner Aquatic Center and Dimple Dell Recreation Center and Draper Community Pool. She has coached swimming and water polo at  the age group, high school and master's levels.  

Education:     

University of Utah, Recreation and Leisure (2 years of Study)

Awards and Honors:

  • Association of Aquatic Professionals, Board of Directors (2011-2015)
  • Named as one of Aquatic International's Power 25 (2012)
  • NRPA Pacific Southwest Region Distinguished Service Award Recipient (2009)
  • Chair-NRPA’s National Aquatic Management School (2009-2010)
  • Chair-NRPA’s National Aquatic Conference (2008)
  • Board Member-Ogden City Recreation Advisory Board (2006-2010)
  • Employee of the Month-West Valley City (June 2006)
  • Committee Member-NRPA’s Congress Planning Committee (2006-2009)
  • Committee Member-National Aquatic Conference Planning Committee (2005-2010)
  • Presenter- NRPA’s National Aquatic Conference and Management School (2005-2009)
  • Pacific Southwest Regional Representative- NRPA’s Aquatic Branch (2004-2009)
  • Presenter-Utah Parks and Recreation Association (2002-present)
  • Instructor Trainer- American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor, (2000-present)
  • Instructor-American Red Cross Water Safety, Lifeguard Training, CPR/PR, First Aid, Emergency Response, CPR/AED, Babysitter Training (1998-present, various dates)
  • Chair-American Red Cross Water Safety Committee (2001-2003)
  • AFO Certified (2000-2009)
  • Outstanding Intern Coach of the Year-U.S. Waterpolo training camp (1998)