One of the exaggerations of Jim Smiley was by Simon Wheeler wherein Wheeler would say that Jim Smiley is the type of person that "bets on anything that turned up". In the story, Smiley betted on cockfights, horse races, cat fights and other animal fights. This hyperbole emphasizes that Smiley loves to bet and gamble in general.
They had connections to companies that could supply necessary equipment. They had experience working with reporters during whale rescues. They kept rescuers safe by giving advice about conditions.
